Leadership Team

Mr Halliwell is the Executive Director of Primary within STEP Academy Trust and Executive Head Teacher at Park Academy. A highly experienced and respected school leader, he has successfully led three schools across the London Boroughs of Newham, Barking & Dagenham and now Croydon/Sutton, bringing deep expertise in driving improvement in communities facing the highest levels of deprivation.

Across all roles, Mr Halliwell’s core purpose has remained constant: to raise aspirations, accelerate achievement and transform life chances for children in the most challenging contexts. His leadership is defined by moral purpose, strategic clarity and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

Since joining STEP, Mr Halliwell’s impact has been recognised nationally through his designation as an NLE, reflecting outstanding leadership and sustained school improvement. Within the Trust, he plays a pivotal role in leadership development, shaping the next generation of leaders through targeted coaching, high‑quality training and Trust‑wide talent mapping.

He also provides strategic oversight of Inclusion, ensuring excellence in provision, consistency in practice and a culture where inclusion is non‑negotiable. His work strengthens systems, builds staff expertise and ensures that the Trust’s values are lived out in every academy.

Mr Halliwell is a valued member of the STEP Executive Team, bringing experience, credibility and a relentless commitment to improving life chances across the Trust.

Mr J Halliwell 
Executive Director of Primary/ Executive Head Teacher