In more recent times, Neil was Director of Sport in four HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference) schools in a 21 year career, including ten years at Sedbergh. He was in charge of school first team Rugby and Cricket for 19 years and Head Coach of North Schools Under 18.

Whilst working in schools, he was Chairman of HMC NE Games Masters Conference and an ISI Inspector.

He is currently Managing Director of Independent Coach Education, an organisation which provides training, recruitment and advisory services – in sport and PE - to schools throughout the world. This includes working with schools of all types to develop their games programmes - and in training, recruiting and appraising Directors of Sport.

He is the founding Chairman of the Professional Association of Directors of Sport in Independent Schools (www.padsis.com)