Introducing our Regional D&T Leaders

Published 4th February 2026

Supporting teachers across the country

We are delighted to introduce our network of Regional D&T Leaders, a team of experienced teachers and subject experts working in partnership with the Design & Technology Association (D&TA) and sponsored by Samsung UK. They are supported by their D&T Hub Schools in their mission to strengthen D&T provision, connect teachers across regions, and provide locally rooted, teacher-led support that reflects the real needs of schools.

Each Regional D&T Leader brings a wealth of experience, from curriculum innovation to industry engagement, and is ready to offer guidance, share good practice, and highlight CPD, events, and opportunities available through the D&TA. Their work ensures that teachers have a strong voice in shaping national D&T strategy, while also receiving practical, day-to-day support in their schools.

Meet the Regional D&T Leaders

• Amanda Moffat – Design & Technology teacher and STEM coordinator, with 20 years of industry experience, transforming her school’s D&T provision and winning the 2024 D&TA Award for Excellence in Industry Engagement.
  
  
• Andrew Browne – STEM Coordinator at Baysgarth School, supporting inclusive teaching, student achievement, and primary–secondary transition.
  
  
• Ben Wilson – Head of D&T at Baysgarth School, delivering an employability-focused, engineering-led curriculum and establishing the school as a Greenpower Centre of Excellence.
  
  
• Daniel Pledger – Subject Lead for D&T at Simon Langton Boys’ Grammar School, growing curriculum breadth, STEM engagement, and national and international competition success.
  
  
• Drew Wicken – Director of Design & Technology and Vocational Education at the Co-op Academies Trust, supporting 40+ schools and working with exam boards to develop and moderate Level 2 qualifications.
  
  
• Helen Vardy – Subject Lead for D&T at King Ecgbert School, championing creativity, sustainability, and digital design while expanding GCSE and A Level provision.
  
  
• Jon Taylor – Head of Design Engineering, delivering innovative technical curriculums and mentoring students to succeed in UK and World Championship robotics.
  
  
• Kate Finlay – Head of D&T at Hethersett Academy and Subject Lead across the Inspiration Trust, designing an inclusive curriculum and founding the Big D&T Meet to foster collaboration.
  
  
• Michael Noonan – Head of Digital Teaching and Learning, transforming curriculum design, boosting attainment, and leading globally successful VEX robotics teams.
  
  
• Natalie Cameron – Head of D&T at Newstead Wood School, advocating for design thinking, sustainability, and interdisciplinary learning to prepare students for the future.
  
  
• Phil Morris – D&T Consultant for the Harris Federation, supporting curriculum, CPD, and subject development across 50+ schools.
  
  
• Scott Tweeddale – Head of D&T at St George’s School, leading curriculum development, AI integration, staff CPD, and increasing GCSE and A-Level uptake and outcomes.
  
  
• Simon Hooker – Head of Design Technology and SLE, a national advocate for D&T and engineering education, embedding CAD and industry practice in classrooms.
  
  
• Tom Corker – Head of Technology at Felixstowe School, championing both traditional and digital D&T, sustainability, AI integration, and Trust-wide curriculum development.

Find out more about each leader →

How Regional D&T Leaders can support you

They are here to help if you:

• Feel isolated as the only D&T teacher in your school
• Want to develop your curriculum but aren’t sure where to start
• Would like to connect with other local D&T teachers
• Are looking for CPD or mentoring opportunities
• Want to share great practice happening in your department

No issue is too small. If they cannot help directly, they will connect you with someone at the D&TA or elsewhere who can.

To find out more, connect with Lol Conway at lol.conway@designtechnology.org.uk, who can put you in touch with your Regional D&T Leader and provide guidance on support available in your area.

This initiative is part of a long-term, national plan by the D&TA and industry partners to provide sustainable, locally relevant support for D&T teachers, helping strengthen provision across the country while keeping teachers at the heart of the process.