Over the last ten years, Mark Burns FLPI has developed a proven track record in developing teaching and leadership in education. He’s co-authored three best-selling books in this field. More recently, he has worked with FTSE100 retailer and third sector organisations, to develop the quality and impact of their learning and development programmes.
Through his work, he has developed a deep understanding of learning design and how to overcome the barriers to learning in organisations. He is passionate about supporting the development of performance through effective learning. Hence his company’s name, Plus One Learning.
Mark has two daughters in secondary school and is passionate about creating school environments where they’d thrive and grow, regardless of whether they are pupils, teachers or leaders.
Recognition
Mark was a finalist in the prestigious CIPD People Management Awards 2018 for Best Learning & Development initiative in Public/Third Sector.

Mark’s track record in learning has been recognised with the award of Fellowship of the Learning Performance Institute.

His work with Accrington Academy designing and facilitating a programme entitled, ‘The Uncertainty Principle’ won the CPD category in the Teach Secondary Awards 2020.

The programme was also a finalist at Learning Performance Institute Learning Awards 2021 in the category, People Development Programme of the Year – Public Sector.

Mark has been awarded the status of ‘Certified Online Learning Facilitator’ for high quality and efficiency in the delivery of online learning facilitation. Certification from the Learning and Performance Institute represents an assurance to raise standards in the learning and development sector.
Experience
Mark works extensively with school leaders at all levels to identify the barriers to developing the quality of teaching, and practical strategies to overcome them. He draws on his vast experience of working intensively with primary and secondary teachers nationwide in many different settings.
Before venturing out into the world of writing and leading learning, Mark taught full-time for twelve years. He was also a governor at a primary school for seven years.
Publications

Mark has co-written:-
- The Learning Imperative winner at the Business Book Awards 2019 in the HR & Management category. The book was also shortlisted for the 2018 Foreword INDIES. Since been translated into several languages.
- The best-selling Teaching Backwards with a foreword by John Hattie, University of Melbourne.
- The best-selling (more than 40,000 worldwide) book Engaging Learners which has been translated into several languages. Shortlisted for ERA Awards 2013
Contributed articles to SecEd, Headteacher Update, ‘Teach Secondary‘ and ‘Teach Primary’
Regularly writes blogs and articles for Training Zone, PsychReg and others.
To discuss how I might work with you either to deliver keynote, lead one day professional learning or design and facilitate a bespoke, longer term programme, please contact me via mark@learningimperative.co.uk