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John Lawson

Former teacher, governor, author & owner of tutoring service

John Lawson is a former secondary teacher, now serving as a governor while running Prep4SuccessNow, a tutoring service dedicated to helping students unlock their full potential. John is the author of The Successful (Less Stressful) Student, a book that distils his extensive teaching experience i... John Lawson is a former secondary teacher, now serving as a governor while running Prep4SuccessNow, a tutoring service dedicated to helping students unlock their full potential.

John is the author of The Successful (Less Stressful) Student, a book that distils his extensive teaching experience into practical strategies for academic success. His approach emphasises engagement, motivation and mindset – believing that students learn best when they are excited by the material and understand its relevance.

Stick figure drawing of priest-like figure, representing an inspirational teacher

Secondary by John Lawson

Inspirational teacher – The educator who transformed me John Lawson reflects on how the best teachers turn us into better people, via values and philosophies that are still applicable decades on...

Two stick figures acting out the scenario of a student trying to conceal their involvement in a bullying incident, representing zero tolerance

Secondary by John Lawson

Zero tolerance – Why real freedom requires order, not chaos As any educator worth their salt knows, the one area you can never compromise on is classroom behaviour, writes John Lawson...

Drawing of a stick figure rendered as a wildlife photographer to evoke connotations of Sir David Attenborough

Secondary by John Lawson

Authority – Why the best educators teach like Attenborough Teachers must be specialists, but also passionate advocates, says John Lawson – because if you don’t love your subject, why should your students?

One stick figure looking over the shoulder of another as they read a book, representing teaching to the test

Secondary by John Lawson

Teaching to the test – Are we even teaching at all? Teaching to the test alone will do your students few favours, warns John Lawson – but some drilling can go a long way...

Illustration of a stick figure shown sat at a desk deep in thought, representing a learning journal

Secondary by John Lawson

Learning journal – Keep one and celebrate your mistakes Every day spent in the classroom presents opportunities to learn about yourself and discover ways of becoming better, counsels John Lawson

Cartoon illustration showing a stickman figure beside an unlabelled signpost, representing a parent selecting schools

Secondary by John Lawson

Selecting schools – Not all children are academic, so why pretend they are? Instead of forcing all students down the same narrow academic paths, let’s realise the true potential of school choice, urges John Lawson...

Illustration of a stickman wearing a tie and superhero cape, representing teaching maths until 18

Secondary by John Lawson

Maths until 18 – Why force students to study a subject that some simply don’t like? Students should certainly study maths – but not necessarily to the exclusion of other subjects, says John Lawson...

male teacher writes maths equations on a chalkboard

Secondary by John Lawson

Teacher qualifications – Why do you need a maths GCSE to teach humanities? So, you want to be a humanities teacher? Well, first you’ve got to be able to interpret fractions and percentages as operators, notes an exasperated John Lawson...

Secondary by John Lawson

Teaching the truth – Why facts and honesty aren’t always appreciated in the classroom One might think that maintaining fidelity to the truth and facts is an inalienable part of teaching that trumps all else – but alas, things aren’t always so straightforward...

Secondary by John Lawson

“Teachers should be impartial, but not apolitical” As the government reminds schools of their obligations to ensure impartiality in their classrooms, John Lawson explains why teachers are way ahead of them…

CPD Downloads

Understanding Primary Assessment

Make sure your assessment is effective with these expert insights

PrimaryAssessmentby Teachwire

Outstanding primary maths CPD with Professor Mike Askew

Professor Mike Askew provides advice around three areas of primary mathematics to help you become a better teacher

PrimaryMathsby Teachwire

Speedy Assessment CPD for secondary teachers

Education experts David Didau, Daisy Christodoulou and Emma McCrea are here to help you improve your assessment methods

SecondaryAssessmentby Teachwire

The Essential Primary Reading Toolkit

Discover creative lesson activities and innovative teaching practices in this CPD box set full of ideas for boosting reading ... more

PrimaryEnglishby Teachwire

Great ways to help autistic pupils

This eight-part series will give you practical suggestions for helping autistic children – during Autism Acceptance Week an... more

PrimarySENDby Teachwire

Secondary science CPD to improve your teaching

From engaging Year 7s in science to seeing secondary students through their GCSEs, our experts are here to guide you

SecondaryScienceby Teachwire

Brilliant biology lessons for secondary school science

Learn about bugs, biodiversity and topics high on the teen agenda such as sugar and sleep, with these activities from Dr Joan... more

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Successful STEM teaching for secondary students

Help students prepare for the careers of the future by getting them hooked on STEM subjects. Here’s how

SecondarySTEMScienceby Teachwire

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