Cultural Learning

Cultural Learning

Miles Wallis-Clarke, former Headteacher of Hotspur Primary School in Newcastle has a wealth of experience in school leadership and cultural education including:

  • 2005–2020 Headteacher Hotspur Primary, Heaton
  • 2001-2005 Headteacher West Walker Primary, Walker
  • 1994-2001 Deputy Head Christ Church CE Primary, Shieldfield
  • 1990–1994 Class teacher St Anthony’s CE Primary, Walker
  • 1989-1990 Teacher Windlestone Hall Residential Special School (secondary) 


  • Four OFSTED inspections at Hotspur – all graded ‘good’ – all different
  • Singing is a huge passion, organising many large-scale concerts and events including the two-year Concordia project funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation
  • Two terms as part-time Associate Head of Heaton Manor Secondary School
  • Managing a diverse work force of over 70 people for 50 weeks of the year meeting the educational, care and pastoral needs of 440 children and their families
  • Managed two year vocal project funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation (£180,000) focusing disadvantaged communities
  • No Outsiders Project gaining national recognition for work in inclusion and diversity
  • Awarded Platinum Sing Up Award and Platinum Artsmark Award
  • Developed a vibrant, stimulating, localised curriculum that encompasses the National Curriculum, Key Skills, Hotspur Core Values and is enjoyed by children, their families and staff
  • Other roles/responsibilities
  • Chair of Trustees of Sing for Pleasure
  • Board member of Culture Bridge North East
  • Chair of Newcastle Cultural Education Partnership
  • Board member of Music Partnership North
  • Board member of Schools North East
  • Chair of Newcastle Primary Heads Network
  • Lecturer at Newcastle (Music and Maths) and Northumbria Universities
  • Occasional lecturing at Sunderland, Edge Hill and Roehampton Universities
  • Member of Newcastle’s Fairness Commission
  • North of England Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year 2001

Particular area of expertise offered are:

  • Supporting individual schools or Trusts in developing their cultural learning strategy including collaborations with cultural organisations
  • Preparation for Artsmark accreditation
  • Specific projects using the arts to bring the curriculum to life
  • Consultancy for cultural organisations wishing to review or develop their education offers

Miles is also a Celebrant of weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies. To find out more about this go to Miles Wallis-Clarke - Celebrant