I was born in Akrotiri, Cyprus as the youngest child in a family of 4 children, but moved to England at the age of 5.

I lived in Shrewsbury, England with my parents until I left home to go to university, where I studied for a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Education, and a teaching qualification, at Loughbourough University of Technology.

I developed a lifelong love of learning which led to the following:

• M.A. in Education (Open University)
• M.Sc. in Computer Enhanced Mathematics Education (Napier University)
• B.A. in Theology and Religion (Oxford Brookes University)
• LLB (Law) (Nottingham Trent University)
• MBA (Business) (University of the People)
• M.A. in Adolescent Mental Health & Well-being (Anglia Ruskin University)
• Ed.D (Nottingham Trent University).

I became a Christian at the age of 14 and my faith remains an important part of my life today.

I met my wife, Shanhong, whilst teaching in Shanghai - and we were married 'officially' in China in 2006 - but more conventionally in a ceremony before family and friends in Chiang Mai, Thailand in July 2007.