Oli’s dedication to inclusive education and boys’ mental health has made him a trailblazer in reshaping how schools support young men and help them thrive.
Oli’s drive as an educator comes from a deeply personal place. On his GCSE results day, a teacher told him, “You’ve let us down and yourself.” That moment stayed with him and shaped his approach in the classroom: ensuring no student feels less than they are. It’s a promise he has kept. In the English department, Oli has helped students achieve fantastic outcomes, but for him, success is about more than results. It’s about unlocking potential and changing futures. His students describe him as “superlative,” a leader who believes in them, even when they struggle to believe in themselves.
His passion for transforming young lives shines through every aspect of his work. As assistant headteacher and director of English, ethics, and media at Ferndown Upper School, Oli is not just teaching, he’s creating opportunities for students to thrive.
Oli isn’t afraid to tackle big issues. Recognising the challenges boys face around mental health and masculinity, he co-created the Boys’ Programme, a groundbreaking initiative designed to help boys navigate these pressures. Partnering with Ulster University, the programme is the first of its kind to highlight the Taking Boys Seriously Principles that were created in collaboration to help young men succeed in education.
Through mentoring, external speakers, and safe spaces, the programme gives boys the tools to understand themselves better and thrive. The programme’s impact has been so significant that Oli is now training other schools, building hubs across the country all in his own free time. Oli is even working with influencers from Tik Tok such as Ben Mercer to connect with boys in relatable ways.
Deputy Headteacher Deneen Kenchington has said, “He never, ever, loses faith in the students and they know it. He never gives up on them and they know that too.” She adds that Oli is “the best teacher I have ever worked with.”
Oli’s work does not stop in the classroom. He has been invited to speak at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Education for Disadvantaged Boys and continues to shape national conversations about supporting boys’ mental health. Despite his big-picture focus, Oli never loses sight of his students. Whether it is helping his tutor group with subjects outside his expertise (by teaching himself) or simply listening, Oli is there. His students and colleagues know him as someone who always puts others first.
Oli’s belief is simple: every boy deserves a chance to succeed, no matter the odds. From his tireless work in schools to his national advocacy, Oli is changing how boys are supported – not just academically, but emotionally too. As one student summed up: “He doesn’t just teach you; he helps you become the best version of yourself.” That is the kind of legacy Oli is building, one student, one programme, one school at a time.
