SURE

I am the Academic Director of the Graduate School. In this role I manage the postgraduate research degrees across the University, managing the Graduate School team to ensure that our research degree students have an excellent student experience while studying with us. I also ensure that students are well supported throughout their research degrees to complete on time and with outstanding contributions to their research fields. I began my career in education when I undertook a BA (QTS) in Primary Education at the University of Sunderland between 2007-2011 and won the Langham award for outstanding academic contribution with my thesis. I then completed an MPhil with Distinction from the University of Cambridge in 2012 and went on to receive full ESRC funding for my PhD in Education, completed through the University of York in 2015. I have also worked in central and local government, as a Youth Policy Advisor at the Cabinet Office, and for the Mayor of London’s Education and Youth Team at Greater London Authority. I am the Founder and Director of Inclusive Classrooms, a social enterprise organisation providing training and professional development opportunities for Teaching Assistants in mainstream primary schools. I have published a range of papers on my research into the role of TAs, have been the sole author of the Mayor of London’s London Curriculum programme for primary schools since 2015 and have authored a range of professional development materials for Teaching Assistants through my work with Inclusive Classrooms.