My story
Before joining SSAT, I worked in several schools over 24 years, mostly in South London. I was originally a teacher of MFL and developed a significant interest in curriculum design. In 2001, I devised a vertical curriculum, to sit alongside a vertical pastoral structure, as part of a strategy to personalise learning and to address behaviours and relationships. While still a teacher, I worked with SSAT for 5 years as a consultant on curriculum design, vertical structures, student behaviour, 14-19 provision and data analysis.
In September 2006, I was invited to join SSAT. Since then I have worked full-time with academies, engaging with all academy leaders and their sponsors, identifying and brokering the support to meet their individual and collective needs, and delivering the government’s Academy Support Programme and the Academy Leadership Induction Programme.
I still look after SSAT’s engagement with academies – both old and new, both converter and sponsored, secondary, special and primary, as well as UTCs, Free Schools and Studio Schools. I also facilitate The Academy Sponsors Network and liaise closely with sponsors, providers and operators, with a focus on communications, networking and celebrating their successes and achievements across the country. More recently, I have been occupied with the government’s policy initiatives and developments, considering the implications for schools, particularly in the context of assessments, qualifications, curriculum and accountability.
Why I love working here
It is always a pleasure and a privilege to have the opportunity to visit so many schools in my working week, and to see the wonderful work being done to ensure that children get the very best education.
