George Gyte, Director
"I got very interested in the concept of leadership, and the importance of building leadership skills for teachers."
One of his own teachers encouraged George Gyte to commit to education.
George began his working life as a teacher, and ultimately became headteacher of a large secondary school in Middlesborough.
'I have a passion for teaching in urban areas. You can make a difference in schools.'
The passion for teaching and improving education systems for teachers and children motivated him to take up a post as Director of the Centre for the Study of Comprehensive Schools at York University - a charitable trust with a focus on high quality state education for all children.
He went on to become Northamptonshire's Chief Inspector of Schools and to lead the government's headship qualifications initiative for the then Teacher Training Agency. George led the development and implementation of the National Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and the Leadership Programme for Serving Heads (LPSH).
'I got very interested in the concept of leadership, and the importance of building leadership skills for teachers.' George was Director of Education at Greenwich Council for four years, until 2002.
He is an advisor to the Department for Education (DfE) and former adviser the London and City Challenge Programmes, where he was directly involved in the 14-19 Strategy and Building Schools For the Future.
He has been an Associate of the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit, where he covered health, education, transport and the home office. George was also one of the pioneers of the London Challenge, a government initiative to improve aspirations, opportunities and attainment for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The successful London Challenge has been extended through the Black Country and Greater Manchester, where George is still involved.
Outside of education, George is a keen coast to coast walker. His most recent walk was 195 miles over 12 days. The West Highland Way is a favourite, as is St Cuthbert's Way. 'I like the challenge of it. I love travel as well.'