My story
Having started my professional life in postgraduate music analysis research (analysing musical structures in order to better understand the impact that specific music has on children’s learning in the classroom), I completed my PGCE (Primary) in 2004 and taught in infant, junior and primary schools in Hampshire.
Alongside school leadership, I continued research; this time into the impact of learning technologies on whole school strategic development, as part of my second Masters. This innovative work in extending learning opportunities resulted in being awarded a Becta Award for excellence (2007), and a significant amount of outreach work within and beyond the local authority area.
This in turn led to an invitation to join a leading education technology company – first as a consultant in supporting leaders nationally, and then to lead on research, development and strategy for the company. In this context I began my doctorate in 2010.
I joined SSAT in 2013 as Head of Primary. I work closely with primary schools across the country to ensure that we understand, support and challenge professionals working within primary schools, in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children.
Why I love working here
One of the best things about being part of SSAT is the breadth and depth seen in our member schools; every school has its own unique excellence, and it’s always genuinely exciting to learn more about what the individuals; staff, children and community, are doing. SSAT is a great place to work because of the fusion of education, research and business. The organisation, the individuals within it, and the relationships with partners provide a challenging, energising and inspiring place to be.
