Staff Profile

What does your role entail?

I am the Regional Principal of the Harris Institute in a co-leadership partnership with Shona Findlay. Together we are responsible for the success of the Harris Institute. Success for us is providing exemplary learning and development opportunities for trainees and all staff that directly and noticeably contributes to an inclusive, exceptional education where all children thrive and learn

What are your credentials/experience to your current position?

Before re-joining the Harris Federation in 2017 I was a Headteacher in East Sussex for 4 yrs. The most fulfilling of my many education roles which cover more than 35 years. My most exciting time was in 2008 - 2010 working with the Harris Student Commission on Learning. Ground-breaking work led by a group of inspirational young people.

I was educated at Southampton University (BSc), Oxford University (PGCE) and Cambridge University (MEd). For most of my career i've been lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. I was a founding member of the DfE Teacher Research Panel; the first Assistant Director for Applied Research at the National College for School Leadership; their first Operational Director for Networked Learning; the first Principal of the Harris Leadership College; the first Regional Principal and National Lead for NPQs at the National Institute for Teaching. It is very satisfying for me to report that in every one of these roles the person that succeeded me was considerably better at it. 

 I have also been an author of KS3, KS4 and KS5 geography resources, an adviser to the National Strategy team for networking and collaboration, the first external examiner for the innovative Masters in Teaching (MTeach), a Special Lecturer with Nottingham University, a Director of GoddardPayne Consulting and a Senior Associate at the Innovation Unit. 35 years is a long time!

What is the highlight of your role?

I have the pleasure of working with many exceptional people dedicated to improving the life chances of young people, tackling inequality and fighting for social justice. These people have so many funny stories and tell great jokes, all of the time!

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead