I graduated from Cambridge University in 1995 with a 2:1 in Masters in Engineering and a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science. I started my career working for ICI on Teesside for 5 years as a chartered mechanical engineer, project manager and manufacturing consultant.
I then joined Gemini Consulting based in London, leading organisational change projects for 4 years in industry, telecoms, retail and financial services for clients such as Corus, Railtrack, Vodafone and Boots.
In 2002, I trained to be a teacher with a PGCE at Goldsmith’s College in London and worked at an outstanding school in south London as Head of Design and Technology. I moved home to Northumberland in 2005 and to Ashington High School, initially and Head of Department and then as a senior leader. I led teaching & learning, safeguarding, curriculum/timetable development and drove a culture change across the school through significant improvements in behaviour, attendance and safety. I also project managed the design phase of a £3.5m expansion to the school which was excellent preparation for my role in setting up the UTC.
With a background as an engineer, business consultant and school leader, the opportunity to lead the UTC combined all of my professional interests and passion for the development of young people and supporting businesses in the North East. Establishing the UTC was an incredible experienced and I feel very privileged to have led our development for ten years and through two successful Ofsted inspections.
I am passionate about the importance of careers-focused education and developing professional culture in schools. I have acted as a leadership consultant with other schools, have spoken at national education and political party conferences and written several articles on the ways in which school education needs to change.
Outside of work, I enjoy rowing, designing furniture and creative woodwork.
