Richard graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2003 and began his physical education teaching career in 2004 at the Priory School and Sports College, Barnsley. 

In 2010 he became Assistant Headteacher at Heritage High School responsible for behaviour and wellbeing. His leadership impact at Heritage was significant, including sustained improvements in whole school attendance and behaviour resulting in three consecutive Ofsted “good” judgements for behaviour and wellbeing in 2011, 2013 and 2015. In September 2015, Richard became Heritage High School’s Deputy Headteacher.

Richard completed a master's degree (MA) in teaching and learning in 2017, where he focused his research on emotional intelligence, the value of teamwork, classroom behaviour management and developing effective school cultures.

In June 2018, Richard joined Brookfield Community School as Deputy Headteacher and was asked by the Chair of Governors to become the school’s Acting Headteacher for the 2018/19 academic year following a disappointing Ofsted inspection prior to his appointment. Over the year, he re-established a culture of teamwork and respect, resulting in rapid school improvement. These improvements were recognised and acknowledged by the school community and subsequently by Ofsted, which removed Brookfield Community School from its category within nine working months. In Ofsted’s written report, the HMI inspector stated, ‘the deputy headteacher, as acting headteacher, has been influential in developing a positive ethos...providing stability and direction to the school.’  Richard is proud that, in the academic year of his departure, Brookfield Community School became the highest academically performing state secondary school in Derbyshire, topping the Derbyshire performance comparison table for progress ('Progress 8').

Richard joined Eckington School as Headteacher in April 2023. His inclusive educational philosophy is unwavering as he passionately believes that an outstanding education is one of the most powerful resources a child can receive to enable them to become a successful global citizen. 

In his personal life, Richard is a devoted husband to Sharon and father to Joshua. He enjoys playing a variety of sports, including badminton, cricket, golf and walking in the Peak District National Park.