Mark Bocker – from Head of PE to Pivotal Principal Trainer – PP240

Mark Bocker: Principal Trainer Mark has 37+ years’ experience in special, PRU and mainstream education; most recently as a headteacher of a small specialist (ASD/SEMH) residental school and a headteacher of a large pupil referral unit (PRU). Prior to headship, Mark also held positions including Director of Inclusion; Lead Behaviour Professional, Senior Teacher, Head of PE and Classroom Teacher. Mark has experienced and led through many Ofsted and HMI Inspections gaining excellent judgements with reference to leadership, intervention programmes and schools support. He has achieved recognition for outstanding support of children in Local Authority Care (Ofsted) and inclusion strategies, including significant success in reducing exclusions. He has designed, written and delivered a variety of courses on topics including Safeguarding, Mental Health, Behaviour and Restorative Practice, as well as contributed to delivering the British Council Connecting Classrooms programme. Mark believes schools should provide life-affirming experiences for children, and that their carers and we as professionals and skilled trainers should enable and empower them to realise their aspirations. Mark feels this goal is reflected in the aims and values of Pivotal Education, and are closely aligned to his own. When offered the opportunity to join the Pivotal team, Mark did not hesitate! Mark has recently become pro bono Chair of Members of the Formby High School Academy Trust, and holds several accredited memberships, including the Restorative Justice Council. In this episode, Mark shares three of the Pivotal Podcast episodes which have affected him and tells the stories behind his choices.