Name: Paul McDowell 
Email address: paul@virtused.com 
Mobile phone number: 07594706878 

Relevant qualifications and affiliations: 
B.Ed; M.Ed; PQH (NI); Diploma in Executive Coaching (Academy of Executive Coaching); Accredited Coach (International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring); Member of the Association for Coaching

Paul is a former Principal and Vice Principal with over 20 years’ experience in education across a range of school contexts. 

He is the founder of Virtus.Ed, an executive coaching and leadership consultancy practice supporting school and business leaders across Northern Ireland and the UK. 

Paul works with school leaders to sustain clarity, judgement and integrity in the most demanding aspects of the role. His work focuses on how pressure impacts thinking, decision-making and relationships, and how leaders can maintain authority and alignment without compromising themselves or their standards. 

Alongside one-to-one coaching, Paul also works with Senior Leadership Teams and whole staff groups to strengthen alignment, communication and leadership culture under pressure. 

Drawing on coaching, neuroscience and lived leadership experience, he creates a space where leaders can think clearly, reflect honestly and navigate complexity with greater confidence and control. 

He has particular expertise in supporting leaders facing high levels of accountability, staffing pressures and competing demands, helping them to lead in a way that is both effective and sustainable.