Lichfield MP Goes Back to Teaching Roots to Honour Britain's Oldest Teacher

Former physics teacher Dave Robertson returns to the classroom to present Parliamentary recognition to 90-year-old dyslexia pioneer.

Lichfield MP Dave Robertson returned to his teaching roots when he helped conduct a school assembly at Maple Hayes Hall School, where he presented Britain's oldest teacher with Parliamentary recognition for his revolutionary approach to teaching children with dyslexia.

The former physics teacher was able to present Dr Neville Brown, 90, who has spent more than 60 years transforming the lives of struggling pupils, with an official certificate acknowledging an Early Day Motion tabled in his honour at the House of Commons.

The Early Day Motion, tabled on 28th January, congratulates Dr Brown on his 90th birthday and more than 60 years in education, recognising his pioneering morphological approach to teaching reading and calling for a review of Britain's reliance on phonics-based teaching.

During the assembly, Mr Robertson, who has served as MP for Lichfield, Burntwood and the Villages since July 2024, shared his personal connection to the area with pupils. He spoke about growing up in Lichfield, attending local schools, and his pride in representing the constituency in the House of Parliament.

"It's wonderful to be back in a Lichfield school and to have the opportunity to recognise Dr Brown's incredible contribution to education," said Mr Robertson. "Having been a teacher myself for ten years, I have enormous respect for educators who go above and beyond to help every child succeed. Dr Brown's pioneering work with dyslexic pupils has transformed countless lives, and his morphological approach offers hope to children who might otherwise struggle with traditional teaching methods."

Mr Robertson explained to pupils how he divides his time between London and Lichfield, giving them insight into the life of an MP. The visit was particularly meaningful given his background in education – he studied at the University of Birmingham where he obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, taught physics and astronomy at Great Barr School and Paget High School, before becoming a union organiser for NASUWT. In 2019, Robertson joined Lichfield District Council.

Dr Daryl Brown, Co-Principal of Maple Hayes Hall School, expressed his gratitude for the recognition of his father. He said: "This Parliamentary acknowledgment means the world to our school community and validates the decades of innovative work my father has dedicated to helping children with dyslexia. The morphological approach he developed has proven that there isn't just one way to teach reading – we must be willing to adapt our methods to meet every child's needs. It's particularly special to receive this recognition from our local MP, who understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of education."

Following the assembly, Mr Robertson toured the school facilities and met with pupils and teachers, observing the specialised teaching methods that have made Maple Hayes Hall School a leader in dyslexia education.

Dr Neville Brown, who celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this year, founded Maple Hayes Dyslexia School and has spent more than 60 years championing alternative approaches to reading instruction. His morphological method focuses on word structure and meaning rather than sound-based phonics, providing crucial support for children with dyslexia who may struggle with traditional teaching approaches.