Course Leaders Profiles

David Bennett

David Bennett began his teaching career in 1970 as an Art teacher, then switched to English, later became a librarian and then Head of English in a Nottinghamshire Secondary school. He retired in 2003 as Senior teacher in the same school.

It wasn't long before he was running his own catering business, teaching regularly in a Special Needs school, reviewing children's books for a national magazine and leading courses for the TRA.

David has just embarked on a barn conversion in Wales and for the last 15 years he has opened his Derbyshire garden for The National Garden Scheme.

John (Ben) Thompson

John (Ben) Thompson was a secondary headteacher in two schools for 19 years up to December 1999, the second a large urban community college. An educational consultant, primarily as an external advisor in all types of schools, he also carries out NPQH work, assesses graduate and overseas trained teachers and carries out quality assurance work in a tertiary college. Ben has trained as an OFSTED inspector but does not carry out inspections and is involved in evaluation of NRwS for the DfES. In amongst these commitments and presenting at the Teachers’ Retirement Agency courses, he preserves time for his family, amateur theatrical work, golf, ski-ing, keeping fit and his house in southern Spain.

Julie Cutts

Julie retired in 2001 after 40 years in teaching, the last 19 as Headteacher of a Dudley (West Midlands) Grant Maintained (Foundation) secondary school which became a specialist Maths and Computing School. Two weeks prior to retirement she attended the TRA course in Birmingham and is forever glad she did.

Since retirement from teaching Julie has worked as a Threshold Assessor, External Advisor to Appointed Governors, assessor of Overseas Trained Teachers and course leader for the TRA.

During retirement Julie has taken up horse riding (again), enjoys walking, cycling, travelling and cruising. She and her husband, Tony built a house for their retirement; they enjoy spending time with friends and family, especially their grandchildren

Alan Farnish

Alan formally retired in September 2001 after 40 years of continuous service in education. The bulk of his career was spent in senior management within the secondary school sector. In addition, Alan held overseas appointments as Principal Education Officer for the Government of Kenya & Grand Cayman.

Since retiring Alan has established an education consultancy service. Current positions include LEA advisor, Sixth Form lecturer, course provider for teachers taking up overseas appointments & national course leader for the Teachers' Retirement Agency.

Alan is married with a daughter who graduated in 2006 and a son still attending university at this time. Hobbies include running, world travel, cruising & making wine.