Peter Hyman

Peter Hyman is an influential figure in education and politics with a diverse career spanning government, teaching, and educational innovation. He co-founded School 21, an innovative 4-18 school in Stratford, East London, where he served as Executive Headteacher.13 Hyman's career began in politics, working as a strategist and speechwriter for Tony Blair from 1994 to 2003, including a role as head of the strategic communications unit at Number 10.3

In 2003, Hyman transitioned to education, starting as a teaching assistant in an Islington school.1 He progressed through various teaching roles, including history teacher and deputy headteacher, before co-founding School 21 in 2012.3 Hyman is also the co-founder of Voice 21, a social enterprise focused on developing speaking skills in young people.3

More recently, Hyman served as a Senior Advisor to Sir Keir Starmer from 2022 to 2024, working as a strategist and architect of Labour's five national missions.3 He is the author of "1 out of 10," a book about his transition from Downing Street to teaching in an inner-city comprehensive school.34

Hyman's educational philosophy emphasizes the need for a different approach to schooling, focusing on balancing academic success (head), character and well-being (heart), and practical skills (hand) to prepare students for the 21st century.12 His work aims to transform education by rethinking its purpose and methods, advocating for changes in the exam system, teaching approaches, and attitudes towards young people and the teaching profession.5