National Talent Academy
National Talent Academy provides FE Colleges with an online TQUK endorsed Level 3 Award for Essential Work Skills. The courses are the result of many years of R&D including partnerships with Manchester University and Morgan Stanley leading to a Futureproof Careers Framework.
National Talent Academy courses are designed to help learners align their strengths and passions with the skills and character qualities that will always be needed in the workplace.
National Talent Academy courses are designed to help learners align their strengths and passions with the skills and character qualities that will always be needed in the workplace.
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Who's Who?
David Jaffa
National Talent Academy was founded in 2020 by Cambridge graduate David Jaffa, an award-winning education entrepreneur committed to expanding opportunity through high-impact learning. David previously founded SAM Learning, an online platform supporting GCSE and KS3 students in hundreds of English secondary schools, and later founded Penda Learning, a Science and Maths tool developed for schools across the United States.
David’s work has helped shape the way schools use digital learning to strengthen outcomes, improve student engagement, and support teachers at scale. He was awarded the BETT Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of his lifelong achievements and contribution to education technology — a foundation that continues to drive National Talent Academy’s mission today.
Bryan Horne
Senior qualifications and skills specialist Bryan Horne supports National Talent Academy with deep expertise in vocational education and workforce development across the UK. He has led major regulatory, accreditation and innovation programmes at Ofqual, OCN London, and across multiple awarding bodies, helping to design and assure high-quality systems that are trusted nationally.
Bryan has developed robust qualifications, micro-credentials and assessment frameworks, ensuring they are rigorous, deliverable at scale, and aligned with real workforce needs. He is particularly experienced in strengthening quality assurance, improving assessment design, and helping organisations navigate regulatory expectations with confidence. At National Talent Academy, Bryan helps shape employer-aligned pathways and raise standards in skills delivery.
craig hendleman
Craig has over 20 years’ experience helping colleges and schools raise attainment and improve learner outcomes. Throughout his career, he has supported educators to deliver high-impact teaching and learning at scale, while ensuring students also develop the Essential Work Skills that employers want and need.
Craig’s experience in EdTech spans assessment, literacy, learner behaviour, and performance analytics, helping education providers make smarter decisions and deliver stronger results. He is passionate about education and has a strong track record of building trusted partnerships across the sector. His ongoing mission is to help educators work smarter, not harder, by adopting the most effective and innovative EdTech systems available.
Bilal Fawaz
Bilal Fawaz, the current English Super Welterweight Boxing Champion, leads National Talent Academy’s Developing a Winning Mentality unit, helping learners build the mindset and habits needed to succeed. He brings an engaging, high-energy approach that motivates students to develop confidence, resilience and self-belief — even when under pressure.
Bilal focuses on practical strategies that help learners strengthen discipline, stay motivated, and take ownership of their goals. His sessions help students understand what it means to show up consistently, raise their standards, and keep progressing through challenges. Through the Developing a Winning Mentality unit, Bilal supports learners to develop the attitude, focus and determination employers value most.
Dr Helen Lawal
Dr Helen Lawal is a Channel 4 broadcaster and medical doctor, with specialist expertise in sexual health and neurodiversity. With extensive NHS experience, Helen brings an evidence-based, relatable and engaging approach to topics that are essential for learner wellbeing, safety and future success.
Helen presents National Talent Academy’s mandatory unit, Thinking for Yourself: Building Your Future, covering the key areas every college is required to deliver — Prevent, Consent, Fundamental British Values, Online Safety and Mental Wellbeing. She is passionate about helping young people make informed choices, understand risk, build confidence, and develop the knowledge and self-awareness they need to thrive both in education and in the workplace.
Rory Graves
Rory Graves is a Certified Toastmaster and former Vice President at Morgan Stanley, bringing world-class communication and leadership experience to National Talent Academy. With a background in high-performance professional environments, Rory understands what employers expect from individuals who need to speak with confidence, influence others, and perform under pressure.
Rory specialises in helping learners and professionals develop practical skills in communication, presentation, teamwork and professional presence. His experience combines the structure and discipline of Toastmasters training with real-world corporate leadership, making his coaching both credible and highly effective. At National Talent Academy, Rory helps learners build confidence, improve workplace readiness, and develop the interpersonal skills that lead to long-term success.
Contributors
Emily Cotterill
Emily specialises in developing resources for PSHE, Citizenship and Careers and has ten years of experience teaching in inner city schools.
Maxine Jaffa
Maxine has a background in teaching and neuropsychology. Her book 'Emotion' is a collaboration with Mark Solms, Antonio Damasio and Oliver Sacks.
Thor Conklin
Thor has founded, bought and sold several multi-million dollar businesses and is a peak performance consultant to several multi-millionaire entrepreneurs.
Dick Tomlinson
Dick is an international educational and business consultant. Dick developed a school for 350 developmentally disadvantaged students in North Carolina.