Engage Your Audience with our Expert Literacy Keynote Speakers
Looking for an inspiring keynote speaker for your next conference? Gareth Davies and Claire Belisari bring unparalleled expertise in literacy, school improvement, and educational leadership. With over 30 years of experience each, they have transformed literacy outcomes in schools across the UK and beyond.
Whether you’re planning a conference, training event, or leadership summit, Gareth and Claire are available for keynote speaking, training, and consultancy.
Gareth Davies
CEO, Literacy Counts
Claire Belisari
Head of Consultancy, Literacy Counts
Gareth Davies
CEO, Literacy Counts
Gareth Davies is a nationally recognised leader in literacy, school improvement, and educational leadership, with over 30 years of experience shaping education across the UK. As CEO of Literacy Counts, he is renowned for his expertise in strategic leadership and evidence-based, award-winning literacy resources.
Gareth co-authored Phonics Counts national intervention and led writing project significantly improving literacy outcomes for all learners. He has quality-assured national literacy programmes across 12 Local Authorities and mentored education leaders, driving impactful change through effective CPD.
Passionate about improving literacy for all children Gareth’s personal experience with dyslexia fuels his commitment to educational equity. His engaging, research-driven keynotes inspire lasting change.
Claire Belisari
Head of Consultancy, Literacy Counts
Claire Belisari is a leading literacy expert with 30 years of experience transforming education. As Head of Consultancy and at Literacy Counts, she leads innovative professional development programmes across the UK and beyond.
Claire has shaped national and local literacy strategies, designing successful programmes, including one for primary schools in the Falkland Islands. As lead trainer for Cheshire East, she has influenced over 350 schools, delivering impactful training and interventions with measurable success.
Her experience includes roles as a National Literacy Strategy Consultant, Deputy Headteacher and Leading Literacy Teacher, focusing on curriculum development, coaching and mentoring. Claire is passionate about improving literacy outcomes for disadvantaged children through sustainable strategies.
A sought-after keynote speaker, Claire shares practical insights on all aspects of English. She has also co-authored Ready Steady Read Together and Ready Steady Write, inspiring teachers to teach creatively and effectively.
“Now CEO of Literacy Counts, Gareth continues to innovate, pushing boundaries to find new solutions for improving literacy outcomes.”
Gareth Davies – Keynote Speaker | CEO, Literacy Counts | Educational Leader & Literacy Advocate
Gareth Davies is a nationally recognised leader in literacy, school improvement and educational leadership, with over 30 years of experience shaping education across the UK. He brings expertise in strategic leadership, professional development, and evidence-based literacy interventions, making a significant impact on improving outcomes for children.
Gareth co-authored Phonics Counts and led several influential projects with the NTL. He has also worked with literacy expert John Stannard (CBE) to support over 80 schools, significantly improving writing outcomes. Beyond this, he has also led on the National Strategies writing samples which provided critical insights into the application of synthetic phonics in writing which influenced national training for school improvement professionals.
As a National Adviser, Gareth has quality-assured literacy programmes across 12 Local Authorities, mentored education leaders, and supported schools to improve teaching practices. His work has led to tangible progress in literacy outcomes, with a focus on interactive, effective CPD for teachers, consultants, and school leaders. Gareth has also been a guest speaker at Childer Thornton English Hub launch events.
Gareth’s commitment to improving literacy outcomes stems from his own experience as a child with undiagnosed dyslexia, which made learning challenging. In overcoming these barriers, he has dedicated his career to ensuring all children’s potential is realised. This belief drives his work at Literacy Counts, where he leads a team committed to making a real difference in literacy education.
Now CEO of Literacy Counts, Gareth continues to innovate, pushing boundaries to find new solutions for improving literacy outcomes. Gareth delivers engaging, research-driven keynotes that leave audiences motivated and equipped with practical strategies.
For organisations seeking a speaker with deep expertise, a compelling personal story, and a commitment to educational equity, Gareth Davies offers a unique and impactful voice.
“With a deep understanding of assessment, data-driven planning, and quality assurance, Claire works closely with educators to tailor solutions that drive progress.”
Claire Belisari – Head of Consultancy, Literacy Counts | Keynote Speaker & Literacy Expert
Claire Belisari is a leading authority in literacy education, with a career spanning 30 years dedicated to transforming teaching and learning. As Head of Consultancy at Literacy Counts, she spearheads innovative professional development programmes that enhance pedagogy and practice across the UK and beyond.
A Ready Steady Literacy Expert Consultant, Claire has played a pivotal role in shaping national and local literacy strategies. She has designed and delivered high-impact training, including a landmark programme for primary schools in the Falkland Islands, which significantly improved literacy instruction. As the lead trainer for Cheshire East for the past four years, she has influenced thousands of educators across 350 schools, delivering bespoke professional development and national training with measurable success.
Claire's extensive experience includes roles as a National Literacy Strategy Consultant, Deputy Headteacher, English Subject Leader and Leading Literacy Teacher. She has worked alongside senior leadership teams to implement and evaluate literacy strategies, ensuring sustainable improvements in teaching and assessment. Her expertise in coaching, mentoring and curriculum development has supported disadvantaged children and their families, making a lasting impact on literacy outcomes.
As a sought-after speaker at education events across the UK, Claire shares insights on real purposes for writing, integrating English modalities, and connecting the curriculum. She has provided expert literacy training at Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College, enhancing teaching and learning with proven results.
Claire’s contributions to literacy education extend to authoring national home learning materials for the Department for Education, co-authoring Ready Steady Read Together and Ready Steady Write and developing the Ready Steady Write online platform. Her work ensures that teachers not only understand the English curriculum but are inspired to teach it in effective and creative ways.
With a deep understanding of assessment, data-driven planning, and quality assurance, Claire works closely with educators to tailor solutions that drive progress. Her expertise in spoken language progression, IT integration in literacy, and developing engaging resources continues to shape the future of literacy education.
Claire’s lifelong love of language, nurtured in her working-class north-eastern home, shaped her belief in the transformative power of education. As a child, she was fascinated by words—collecting them, exploring their meanings, and feeling their impact through books and storytelling. Encouraged by her teachers, she found her voice through writing and public speaking, experiences that ultimately led her to a career in education. Now, as a literacy consultant, she is passionate about sharing that love of language with educators, inspiring future generations to discover their own voices.
Claire is available for keynote speaking and training. Connect with her to bring impactful literacy strategies to your event.
