Moray Dickson

Darren King Pic: Excelsior MAT Excelsior Multi-Academy Trust, a family of eight primary schools in the West Midlands, has welcomed Darren King as its new CEO this September. He has replaced Hazel Pulley, who retired in July after spending 44 years in education. Mr King steps into the role after two years as Excelsior’s director of education, bringing leadership experience across primary, secondary and sixth form education.

Pic: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock Behaviour remains one of the most discussed aspects of education. Yet too often the debate becomes polarised: strict versus soft, sanctions versus nurture, compliance versus compassion. In reality, school leaders are navigating increasingly complex challenges. Many schools are seeing rising levels of anxiety, difficulties with emotional regulation, attendance concerns and a growing number of children and young people requiring additional support.