From the outset (circa 2000) Bob and Dave have been great friends and colleagues. As late entrants to the world of education, they share a common philosophy which places people and relationships at the centre, youngsters and adults alike.
With over 50 years of combined experience in education, their work is always rooted in educational reality, whilst brimming with optimism, hope and energy. With an innate sense of fun and warmth, neither have lost their belief in education as a powerful vehicle to promote growth, both for children and young people and for those working with them.
Through working together, they have both found a philosophy and approach that has served them well over the years, enabling them to do more than just survive, which shines through in all they do.
With over 50 years of combined experience in education, their work is always rooted in educational reality, whilst brimming with optimism, hope and energy. With an innate sense of fun and warmth, neither have lost their belief in education as a powerful vehicle to promote growth, both for children and young people and for those working with them.
Through working together, they have both found a philosophy and approach that has served them well over the years, enabling them to do more than just survive, which shines through in all they do.
Dave Cole
Having obtained a classical law degree from the University of Exeter, Dave secured a job in financial services. Motivated by people and the desire to help others, it wasn’t long before the world of education came knocking. His career fate was sealed after a chance chat with none other than Bob himself. Bob persuaded him to move out of his office job in finance and his pinstripe suit and into the classroom – a move from which he has never looked back.
In 2003, following a PGCE at Greenwich University, Dave secured his first teaching role at Furzefield Primary School. Here, he spent several happy years as a contented caveman under Bob’s headship. Gaining valuable experience during this time, as both a teacher and leader, and enjoying his role of leading practitioner of primary mathematics, it wasn’t long before Dave, keen to replicate the culture he had enjoyed being part of, spread his wings.
In the years that followed, he worked in a range of school settings in different leadership roles – from SENCo to Headteacher. At the heart of this work sat people, relationships and fun, along with his passion for empowering both children and adults.
In 2016, Dave founded Shine Education and Training, which now operates across the South East and works with teachers, leaders, trainees, schools, multi-academy trusts and governors. Through various Shine Leadership Development Programmes, Dave has worked with hundreds of education professionals, helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Dave also works as a Trainer, Headteacher Coach and School Improvement Partner. His guiding aim, through a strength-based approach, is to ensure that his work leaves teachers and leaders feeling empowered and energised.
During their different headships and, more latterly, in their work with trainee teachers and school leaders, Dave and Bob have found opportunities to have fun working together. Their time is spent chatting about education, culture and the importance of educators as the backbone of our country.
Dave is married to Victoria (also a teacher!), with sons Harry, Tommy and Toby, who are all at different stages of their schooling.
Dave Cole
Having obtained a classical law degree from the University of Exeter, Dave secured a job in financial services. Motivated by people and the desire to help others, it wasn’t long before the world of education came knocking. His career fate was sealed after a chance chat with none other than Bob himself. Bob persuaded him to move out of his office job in finance and his pinstripe suit and into the classroom – a move from which he has never looked back.
In 2003, following a PGCE at Greenwich University, Dave secured his first teaching role at Furzefield Primary School. Here, he spent several happy years as a contented caveman under Bob’s headship. Gaining valuable experience during this time, as both a teacher and leader, and enjoying his role of leading practitioner of primary mathematics, it wasn’t long before Dave, keen to replicate the culture he had enjoyed being part of, spread his wings.
In the years that followed, he worked in a range of school settings in different leadership roles – from SENCo to Headteacher. At the heart of this work sat people, relationships and fun, along with his passion for empowering both children and adults.
In 2016, Dave founded Shine Education and Training, which now operates across the South East and works with teachers, leaders, trainees, schools, multi-academy trusts and governors. Through various Shine Leadership Development Programmes, Dave has worked with hundreds of education professionals, helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Dave also works as a Trainer, Headteacher Coach and School Improvement Partner. His guiding aim, through a strength-based approach, is to ensure that his work leaves teachers and leaders feeling empowered and energised.
During their different headships and, more latterly, in their work with trainee teachers and school leaders, Dave and Bob have found opportunities to have fun working together. Their time is spent chatting about education, culture and the importance of educators as the backbone of our country.
Dave is married to Victoria (also a teacher!), with sons Harry, Tommy and Toby, who are all at different stages of their schooling.
Bob Twells
Bob left school with one O-Level at grade 6 (honestly!) and promptly joined the Royal Air Force. During his eight-year career, he educated himself, represented the RAF in the modern pentathlon at the British Championships, worked on Hercules transporters and Vulcan bombers and was awarded an Air Officer’s Commendation for Meritorious Service in conjunction with the New Year Honours List 1977.
Whilst studying at Kingston Polytechnic, Bob was awarded the Brigadier STA Memorial Prize for attainment and best all-round performance by a mature student at the college. He went on to enjoy a thirty-year career in schools, twenty of which he spent as a headteacher.
Under his leadership, Bob’s first school won Surrey School of the Year, and he finished his career with another of his schools named as one of the top hundred primary schools in the country. He won South East Region Headteacher of the Year in the National Teaching Awards 2000, and he has been a national judge for the same body since 2008. Whenever he’s asked about his career, he proudly explains that his most significant success was creating schools where the staff felt energised, optimistic and trusted, where the school was at the heart of the community and where relationships across the school flourished.
Bob is married to Gill (who works in a secondary school). Their children, India, Georgia and Guy have long since left home and are leading independent lives.
Bob currently works as a teacher recruiter, and he thoroughly enjoys coaching and working with the next generation of educators. He also works alongside Dave as a trainer in a variety of areas, a role he finds immensely satisfying and tremendous fun, especially in the field of Behaviour Management.
