Deputy Headteacher Tyronne Lewis relishes the opportunities that come with serving on ASCL Council. Here, he shares his passion for Council, his commitment to inclusive school leadership… and his long-standing fear of birds.

Leading with purpose

Tell us about your role

I am a Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for the Quality of Education at Copthall School. Copthall is a girls’ non-selective comprehensive and, despite being located in the leafy area of Mill Hill, one of London’s more affluent boroughs, we face social challenges comparable to those of many inner-city schools. There is a significant level of deprivation within our catchment area, which makes our work concerning equity, inclusion, and aspiration all the more vital.

Why did you decide to become an ASCL Council member?

I am an ASCL Council Member for the London Region, representing the Leadership and Governance Committee.

I decided to become a Council member as part of my professional development, having worked closely with ASCL to deliver workshops at the ASCL Annual Conferences from 2023 to 2025. I welcomed the opportunity to contribute to national discussions that shape policy and improve the experience of ASCL members from all backgrounds, as well as the students they serve. It also aligned closely with my work as a member of the Ethnic Diversity Community (www.ascl.org.uk/EthnicDiversityCommunity) and ASCL’s distinctive “run by members, for members” ethos.

I have benefited greatly from my time on Council. This has included representing Curriculum and Assessment Committee members during closed meetings with ministers, His Majesty’s Inspector (HMI), and Professor Becky Francis CBE at the Annual Conference. I felt empowered to raise issues concerning inclusion and the importance of students seeing themselves reflected in the curriculum as a way of addressing disparities. Seeing these perspectives echoed in guidance and legislation reaffirmed my belief in the value of Council involvement.

Why did you decide to get  into teaching/leadership?

I began my career as an actor in television and theatre, although my earliest ambition was to become a teacher. My move into education was driven by a love of working with young people and a desire to empower them to achieve beyond my own experiences. I channelled creativity and performance into engaging pedagogy, helping students to thrive in the classroom.

As a student, I struggled with parts of the curriculum, so inclusion has always been central to my practice. This personal experience shapes my understanding of barriers faced by some learners. I moved into leadership to ensure pupils see themselves represented at senior levels, knowing it is difficult to aspire to what you cannot see. After middle leadership roles, transforming a drama department into a high-performing team, and leading ITT mentoring across an alliance, I progressed into senior leadership and deputy headship. I have also shared expertise internationally, most recently at the Middle East School Leadership Conference in Dubai.

How do you like to unwind?

I unwind through weekly karate lessons and travelling whenever possible. I value experiencing different cultures, particularly tropical climates, and find the journey as rewarding as the destination.

Tell us an interesting fact  about you or your school

I have a phobia of birds and have often relied on students’ good humour to help keep me calm during playground duty, particularly when seagulls fly nearby.

What’s your favourite  book and film of all time?

My favourite book is A Promised Land by Barack Obama. My favourite film is Mrs Doubtfire.

What advice would  you give to someone  new to leadership?

Embrace the continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities offered by your school or college and actively seek development aligned to your ambitions. Build strong professional and personal networks, as these will support you through challenges and celebrate successes. 

ASCL Council

Council membership offers school and college leaders a unique opportunity to influence national policy, collaborate with peers, and ensure that the profession’s collective voice is heard. Members contribute expertise, challenge thinking, and help shape a fairer, more inclusive education system for staff and students alike, while developing confidence, insight, and leadership capacity that benefits their own schools, colleges, and communities. This engagement strengthens professional identity, purpose, impact, and career development.

- For details on becoming a Council member, email ASCL Deputy Director of Policy, Julia Harnden, at Julia.Harnden@ascl.org.uk

- For further information, visit www.ascl.org.uk/council

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