Simon Breakspear B Psych (Hons), B Teach, MSc. (Oxford), PhD (Candidate)

Simon is recognised internationally as a leading thinker on the future of learning, educational innovation and adaptive leadership. As an educational researcher, consultant and acclaimed keynote speaker, Simon works with school and system leaders to challenge the status quo, inspire fresh thinking and leverage new solutions in order to radically improve learning.

Simon is the co-author of “Talent Magnets” (2008) a highly practical and acclaimed white paper on attracting, retaining and developing quality teachers. He is also the founder and curator of the Global Educational Emerging Leaders Summit, which seeks to incubate the next-generation of educational change-agents.

Simon holds a first class honours degree in Psychology, a Bachelor of Teaching and a MSc. in Comparative and International Education from the University of Oxford, which he completed as a Commonwealth Scholar. He is currently a Gates Scholar at the University of Cambridge, UK. Simon’s research and work with cutting-edge conferences internationally has equipped him with an understanding of both the trends impacting education and the practices of the highest-performing schools and education systems globally. He has also worked with the PISA team at the OECD in Paris investigating international comparisons of school system performance globally.

Simon has worked extensively to help school and system leaders understand the need to create innovative, collaborative, inspiring and challenging school cultures in order to retain talented teachers, train future leaders and deliver improved educational outcomes in the 21st Century. He has delivered presentations to over 30,000 people globally and has worked with clients across all sectors of education – early childhood, school, vocational and tertiary.

Simon is a passionate educator. After successfully completing a year of Medicine at UNSW, Simon left to pursue a career engaging and investing in young people through education. Whilst completing his undergraduate degree in Psychology, Simon spoke to students across Australia on the areas of leadership, independent learning and success in the global labor market. He also co-authored the student book  Equip – skills, strategies and mindsets for student success. Before embarking on his postgraduate work, Simon taught at a city school in Sydney and at 24 held the position of Year 12 Coordinator.

Simon is fortunate to divide his time between the two wonderful cities of Sydney, Australia and Cambridge, UK.

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