About
Sarah Johnson is an experienced educational leader, consultant, and author with over two decades of expertise in emotional well-being, behaviour, and systems change in education.
With a career spanning mainstream schools, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), Alternative Provision (AP), and psychiatric in-patient services, Sarah has developed a deep understanding of how to create inclusive, nurturing environments where all children can thrive.
A passionate advocate for systemic change, Sarah has worked extensively with Local Authorities and the Department for Education, influencing policy and practice to better support vulnerable learners. She is known for her pragmatic and compassionate approach to behaviour, focusing on fostering belonging and well-being as the foundation for positive outcomes.
Sarah's commitment to improving education extends beyond the UK. She has collaborated with Ministries of Education internationally, supporting the development of inclusive practices and behaviour strategies in diverse contexts around the world. Her work bridges strategic leadership and hands-on support, ensuring sustainable impact at both school and system levels.
As the author of five acclaimed books—including Behaving Together: A Teacher's Guide to Nurturing Behaviour and All About SEMH, practical guides for secondary and primary teachers—Sarah provides practical guidance for educators seeking to understand and support the emotional and behavioural needs of their students.
Through her consultancy, Sarah continues to deliver training, keynote presentations, and advisory support, helping schools, trusts, and policy-makers create environments where every child feels safe, valued, and able to succeed.
Why I Do This Work
As a child growing up in a volatile household, school became my safe place. It was there, with the belief and encouragement of my sociology teacher Mr. Bryant, that I discovered a love of sociology and found the confidence to pursue university. I have always been drawn to supporting children who are marginalised from education, for whatever reason, and this passion led me to complete my master's in inclusive education as well as qualifying as a teacher.
My philosophy centres on a strong belief that all children have a right to an enriching and engaging education, and that we must dismantle the systematic barriers that stand in the way of this. This belief is at the heart of everything I do through Phoenix Education Consultancy.