Wayne Barnett

With almost thirty years of experience in education, sixteen of those in senior leadership and eleven years in headship and executive leadership, Wayne Barnett joined the Harris Federation in 2007, leaving in 2013 to take up Headship of a rural school in Kent. Leading one of Kent's highest performing, non-selective schools honed the necessary skills to take over one of London's largest secondary schools, which he led from 2019 to 2022.

Passionate about inclusive education, social mobility and the role education can play in changing the life chances of young people, he re-joined the Harris Federation, becoming the Executive Principal of Harris Garrard Academy, in 2022.

Having achieved the National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership, Wayne spends much of his time coaching senior leaders, middle leaders and classroom teachers to adopt research based, evidence informed practice which, ultimately, results in young people receiving the very best education.

As a ex-Physical Education teacher, Wayne understands the importance of a broad and balanced curriculum. Having played competitive sport and competed in 'Ironman' triathlon, Wayne advocates for young people to be exposed to opportunities that build resilience, grit and character; the building bocks for achieving academic excellence.