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Adapt Learning NI

About

The team behind the space.

Two experienced and highly skilled teachers with pastoral, safeguarding and SEN leadership behind every session.

Darina Connolly, co-founder of Adapt Learning NI
Co-founder · Adapt Learning NI

Founder · 24 years teaching

Darina Connolly

Darina has been teaching for 24 years and has spent 15 of those in senior leadership roles in post-primary mainstream schools — developing and promoting excellent standards of Pastoral Care, Safeguarding & Child Protection, and more recently, Special Educational Needs. She is passionate about inclusive learning in inclusive environments. She holds a diploma in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication. She is an advocate of relational teaching and leadership, putting connections, relationship building and safety at the centre of learning.

Qualifications

  • PGCE in French
  • BA Hons English & French
  • Diploma in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication
  • Leader as Coach Diploma (LeonEdu)
  • Toe-by-Toe Reading Programme
  • Designated & Deputy Designated Teacher (safeguarding)

Direct contact

[email protected]
Neal Forbes, co-founder of Adapt Learning NI
Co-founder · Adapt Learning NI

Founder · 22 years teaching

Neal Forbes

Neal has been teaching 22 years and has spent 12 of those in senior leadership roles in post-primary mainstream schools — leading whole school Pastoral Care, Safeguarding & Child Protection, and Special Educational Needs. He is a Cognitive Specialist with IBCCES and a trained Accidental Counsellor. Neal has gained experience in both local and international educational settings having spent several years working as an Assistant Principal in Singapore. He firmly believes in the importance of building strong, trusting relationships and in fostering inclusive, supportive environments where every student is understood, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential both academically and personally.

Qualifications

  • PGCE in History
  • BA Hons History & Politics
  • Professional Coaching Qualification (CIS-accredited)
  • IBCCES Cognitive Specialist
  • ASiST & Safe Talk
  • Accidental Counsellor — Human Connections
  • Better Reading Partnership
  • Reciprocal Reading
  • Maths Recovery & Numicon
  • Designated & Deputy Designated Teacher (safeguarding)

Direct contact

[email protected]

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