ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Barry Chaters.
For more than 25 years I've worked in schools in London and Dubai, as a teacher, director of sport and deputy headteacher. Now I coach young people to think clearly, build real confidence and perform when it matters.
25+
20
2
years in schools
years in school leadership
published books
MY STORY
From the North of England to Dubai.
I've seen what pressure does to people: students, athletes, leaders and parents. And I've seen what happens when they're given the space, structure and belief to think clearly again.
I grew up in the north of England, where I learned early the value of hard work, resilience and backing yourself when the path isn't obvious. Competing at a high level in football taught me that mindset, preparation and how you respond under pressure matter far more than talent alone.
I went on to study education and sports psychology, and have spent more than 25 years in education, including two decades in senior leadership roles in London and Dubai. Along the way I've led teams, supported families, and worked closely with young people and elite performers under real pressure.
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Today I bring all of that to one-to-one coaching, helping young people think clearly, build confidence and perform when it matters most.
No hype. No generic advice. Just clarity, structure and support that fits the person in front of me.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Experience matters, especially under pressure.
Former Deputy Headteacher
School leadership in London and Dubai
Former Head of Sport
And former high-level football player
Level 3 Safeguarding
Trained to keep young people safe
Diploma in Life Coaching
Professional coaching training
Trauma-Informed Coach
Certified
BA (Hons) Education with Sports Psychology
The foundation of my approach
Positive Behaviour Coach Educator
Supporting behaviour and wellbeing
Professional Development Leader
Training teachers and leaders
WHAT I BELIEVE
Confidence is trained, not gifted.
If your child knows what to do but can't do it consistently, or performs well in practice but struggles when it matters, they're not broken. They're missing a structure that holds under pressure. My job is to help them build it, and keep it.
1
Performing under pressure is a skill that can be learned.
2
Mindset work must be practical and personal, not theoretical.
3
Real change happens through consistency, reflection and challenge.
4
Young people already carry more of the answer than they realise.
HOW COACHING WORKS
Four simple steps, led by questions.
1
Goals
Where do you want to get to? What would a better situation actually look and feel like?
2
Reality
An honest look at where things are now. Not with blame or shame, just honesty.
3
Options
What could change, and what would make the biggest difference? Clarity comes when we simplify.
4
Way Forward
A clear, realistic plan. Not a perfect life overnight, but changes that build calm, confidence and control.
What a session feels like
A session isn't about being judged, "fixed" or lectured. It's a space to stop, reflect and think differently. I lead with questions, and young people find their own answers, which is why the change lasts. They often leave with something simple but powerful: more clarity, less noise, and a sense of moving forward again.
FRAMEWORKS AND PUBLICATIONS
Practical systems for thinking clearly under pressure.
BOOK
The Elite Mindset: The Exam Performance Blueprint
A practical guide to help students approach exams with clarity and confidence: planning effectively, managing pressure and performing when it matters.
REVISION SYSTEM
SPARR Revision System
A clear, repeatable framework that turns revision overwhelm into structured action, for students who don't know where to start or are working hard without progress.
BOOK
The Elite Mindset: The Peak Performance Blueprint
The same principles applied to sport: staying in control under pressure, managing expectations and performing consistently in competition.
WHAT OTHERS SAY
From colleagues, coaches and young people.
Barry has helped me a great deal with my confidence and ability to deal with anxiety when performing. His 'WIN' (what's important now) is something I use every day to focus on the present and forget the past.
HM, elite-level dancer, aged 15
Barry is fantastic with the young athletes he coaches. He builds solid and meaningful relationships and really takes time to understand the athletes' unique personalities, what motivates them and the value of a positive mindset.
Lisa Campbell, Founder, Ultimate Athletics Dubai
Barry always brings a positive energy to any interactions in school, whether that's with students, staff, parents or visiting educators.
Dr Carmella Jodrell, Education Coach and School Leader
His ability to support both adults and children under pressure is exceptional.
Lee Tynan, Hyrox World Record Holder
Prefer email?
No problem at all, please send me a short message telling me a little about your child and I will get back to you.
Or email me directly at bchaters@elitemindsetteacher.com