Professor Simon Uttley
A Catholic school headmaster with 20 years experience; full professor at the University of Notre Dame (USA) London and Visiting Professor at St Mary's University in London.
Simon specialises in making difficult subjects easy - and funny - particularly philosophy, law, economics and politics. Any subjects! A commentator on life and culture, a licensed inspector of Catholic schools and an advocate for character education, he believes that children only get one chance, and that our schools are both wonderful and problematic.
Born in Manchester, Simon studied law, philosophy and economics at the universities of Oxford, UCL, Nottingham Trent and Leeds Beckett. Becoming a Catholic aged 18, following his first degree, he was a police officer in the West Midlands, where he learnt "more than at any other time''. He left to spend several years training to be a priest before deciding against this and turning his attention to education. A headmaster after 7 years, he remains 'firmly in the vineyard of the young', while lecturing nationally and internationally on education.
Speciality:
- Keynotes in life, culture and faith - funny moments
- Education, including Catholic education
- Philosophy made easy
UK Coverage: National and International
Availability: Evenings and weekends - Many weekdays too (do enquire)
ENDORSEMENTS
Dr. Simon Uttley is a talented great communicator, professor, researcher and manager, devoted Catholic.
During my tenure as the Ambassador of Slovakia to the Court of St. James´s at London, we've developed a close cooperation on his project of educational leadership conferences in Eastern Slovakia, historical town of Bardejov…raising standards of learning in Slovakia, particularly in schools with disadvantaged Roma-ethnic students.
I admire Dr. Uttley for being a real Christian knight – not only by his formal membership at the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, but by his overall devotion to using his professional abilities and talents to the common good and collective endeavour of supporting the Church.
- Ambassador Lubomir Rehak, Ambassador of Slovakia to Russia
Simon is the person I naturally turn to in my exploration of the interface of working out my daily Catholic faith and, as a businessman, how to live the integrity of that Catholic status “in the market place” – or for me the board room.
Simon’s track record of turning around, as Headteacher, poor or failing Catholic schools, as he did in London at Saint John Bosco where, not only was he the engine of inspiration but was hands on in raising millions of pounds to build a new Catholic campus, to his current role as Headteacher of Blessed Hugh Faringdon School in Reading.
It is also testimony to Simon’s standing amongst his contemporaries that he is a recognised author, speaker, Doctoral supervisor, and examiner; Visiting professor, Dominican University, Chicago, as well as an appointed Catholic schools’ inspector for England and Wales.
- Andrew Lockington, Catholic Businessman
From delivering compelling lectures on Catholic education to addressing conference attendees on integral human development of the child, environmental justice and social media and fake truth, Simon’s breadth of knowledge and eloquence captivate and inspire.
His brilliant and engaging presence, and his enthusiasm for his subject matter leave a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to hear him speak.
- Judy L. Hutchinson, Senior Associate Director, Notre Dame International
Simon is a highly dedicated Catholic educator. His experience in the formation of young people is outstanding and he brings a richness of theological understanding to all his endeavours. He articulates and shows a faith in and love for Christ that is accessible and compelling.
- Edmund P Adamus. Executive Director. Voluntatry Solidarity Fund
Simon is an Honorary Professor in Catholic Education within the School of Education’s Centre for Catholic Education, Research and Religious Literacy at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London…[and] the co-founder and joint Chair of an annual educational conference in Slovakia.
Simon is an excellent speaker with the ability to draw on his considerable experience in education (both at school and higher education level) with a thoughtful and evidence-informed approach to research, policy and practice.
- Professor Anna Lise Gordon, St Mary’s University
