Academic staff

I am a senior Lecturer in the Education department. I teach on the primary PGCE and School Direct Programme. I was a primary school head teacher for almost 20 years in 3 south London schools, including two church of England primary schools. Throughout my teaching career, I have worked in schools with many challenges serving diverse communities and I am fully committed to equalities and social justice.

I completed my MA in Education (Leadership and Management) with the Open University, while serving as a full-time head teacher. I maintain close links with colleagues in headship through life membership of the NAHT, keeping up to date with challenges and developments in education.

I am particularly interested in school leadership and management and taught on the MA in Education module 'Leadership and Management' and the PGCert Mentoring module. As lead mentor I work closely with the School Partnership team to develop and maintain positive links with schools and develop the mentors who support our trainees while on placement. My research interests are in the development of effective support for trainees, newly qualified and recently qualified teachers. This links with my EdD doctoral interest in what motivates adults to continuing learning, particularly to become teachers.

I began my career in Lambeth, teaching in several schools before becoming deputy head of a Church of England primary school in Herne Hill, where I was later appointed to the headship. After six successful years as the head teacher, I was appointed to the headship of a large C of E Junior school in Sutton before moving to a large primary school in Bromley from where I took early retirement in 2013.

My links with London South Bank University began when I took students on placement at my school. As a University Support Tutor I regularly support trainee teachers on placement, liaising closely with class teachers and school based mentors. I enjoy developing and maintaining links with partner schools throughout London.

As a member of the PGCE team, I strive to provide high quality, relevant and effective sessions on all aspects of the craft of teaching such as assessment, planning and behaviour management.

Courses taught

Primary - PGCE

Education (Work-based) - BA (Hons)

Education - BA (Hons)