LEADING READING
- Support when you need it most
Issue 136 - 2026 Spring Term - Inspections: Urgent improvement needed
Issue 136 - 2026 Spring Term - Closing the diversity gap
Issue 136 - 2026 Spring Term - Forward together
Issue 136 - 2026 Spring Term - Under the microscope
Issue 136 - 2026 Spring Term
Meet the team
John Fryett
Regional Officer, North West
Having been an ASCL member for nearly 18 years, John joined ASCL’s staff in September 2010 following five years as project director for a behaviour and attendance partnership in Leeds.
Prior to that, he spent 26 years teaching in schools, starting out as a maths and IT teacher. He was a deputy head and headteacher in comprehensive schools in Bradford and Rochdale.
John has recently married and now lives in Chester. Music is a big part of his life – he plays the violin and piano and loves singing. Despite having spent most of his working life in the north of England, he is still a devoted West Ham fan and is intensely relieved that his two Yorkshire-bred sons share the passion.
John Kesterton
Regional Officer, North East
John started teaching science in Croydon in 1979. His career progressed northward via Essex and Suffolk to North Yorkshire for a curriculum deputy post and then to headship. He admits to being one of many biology teachers in the 90s who “took on a bit of psychology”, and enjoyed the challenges of teaching a new A level.
After seven years’ headship, John became regional officer in September 2010. He says: “With a new generation of ministers unpicking education policy yet again, there is no doubt that working for ASCL to support the real professionals in education leadership is a privilege and a challenge.”
Born and raised in Liverpool, adopted by Yorkshire through university and marriage, John can be found at Headingley watching rugby union or moonlighting as a Ceilidh dance caller and ‘musician’ with his York-based band.
LEADING READING
- Support when you need it most
Issue 136 - 2026 Spring Term - Inspections: Urgent improvement needed
Issue 136 - 2026 Spring Term - Closing the diversity gap
Issue 136 - 2026 Spring Term - Forward together
Issue 136 - 2026 Spring Term - Under the microscope
Issue 136 - 2026 Spring Term
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