Ian F Thorsteinsson is the Operations Director and Principal responsible for multiple schools which make up Newcome Education, a sub-brand of Cavendish Education, working with Autistic students and those identified with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs in specialist, well-appointed multi-disciplinary schools.

After leaving school, Ian’s early career was in the Royal Navy, taking part in the various global challenges of the time and equipping him with the skills to manage under pressure and in a constantly changing environment. After leaving the Royal Navy, he studied Psychology and qualified as a Science Teacher. After two years teaching in mainstream education, Ian made the move into specialist education, establishing a specialist school in Hampshire, which he led for the next six years.

Since then he has opened three start-up schools and held a number of senior leadership roles in multiple other schools where significant work was required to further improve their provision and outcomes for children and young people. His senior management experience, gained from multiple organisations including schools groups and charities, means that he has forged strong links with incredible organisations and professionals in the specialist sector, Scottish Autism and Nurture UK to name but two.

Ian upholds a relational approach to the education and development of the learners in his care and in the care of the schools for which he is responsible; looking to replace sanctions with an intrinsic desire to develop and having the highest expectations of the staff, and learners to achieve the most amazing outcomes.