I have 20 years experience as a Headteacher, Principal and Executive Principal in secondary schools in Northumberland and Yorkshire, where I sought to raise educational outcomes, aspirations and opportunities for young people. However, as I was warmly welcomed into those amazing communities, I also learned myself that being open to what ‘The University of Life’ has to offer is just as important.

I spent 10 years as Headteacher at St Benet Biscop Business and Enterprise College in Bedlington, receiving the Queens Award for Enterprise Promotion in 2010. In 2011, I became the Principal Designate for what became Horizon Community College in Barnsley, spending a year overseeing the building of the new £50 million school and the closure of the two predecessor schools before becoming Principal when we opened our doors in 2012.

In 2016, I became Executive Principal of Horizon working 2 days a week to lead the Barnsley Alliance of Schools and also representing The Youth Sports Trust, The Women’s FA and the Career and Enterprise Company as a Headteacher Ambassador.

Having recently retired, I have had the time to reflect on the wealth of stories I have about how young people, staff and parents responded to the challenges I set them along with a wealth of stories about how I in turn learned to thrive in and to love those wonderful communities.