About Us

The Oracy Shift was founded in mid-2024 but it’s origins started much further back in time.


Our founder, Mike Gardner, is an experienced teacher who has spent over 13 years teaching across primary schools in London and beyond.

Having taught from Nursery up to Year 6, Mike has seen the direct impact that oracy had upon a
child’s starting point and progress; both academically and holistically.

In his role as Teaching and Learning Lead for Maritime Academy Trust, Mike works alongside leaders and teachers over 13 schools to develop
best practices in the classroom.

A portrait image of our founder, Mike Gardner, smiling and looking directly at the camera.

Our Mission

At The Oracy Shift, we are passionate about oracy and it’s power to change young lives. We understand the impact language and communication has upon our children and young people.

For this reason, we are dedicated to our mission to…

  • Raise the profile and awareness of oracy across education

  • Develop and deliver high quality teacher CPD

  • Highlight and share leading practice research

  • Help schools to gain a 360° view of their oracy journey