Why did you choose that particular degree course?

I was attracted to Economics after studying it in sixth form and I have always been interested in the study of politics. I liked the flexibility and range of career options this degree offered. When I started my degree, I had no firm career pathway in mind.

Tell us about your employer

I joined Teach First and qualified as a Business Studies and Economics Teacher in 2007. I worked briefly at Deloitte as an Education Consultant, before returning to teaching and gaining my National Professional Qualification for Headshop (NPQH).

I co-founded One Degree Academy in 2015. I joined the project as Chief Operating Officer from its inception with the brief of setting up a free school serving disadvantaged (>30% pupil premium) children in a deprived area of London. Our school is driven by a strong commitment to developing the whole child with a focus on children’s character attributes and on providing multiple contexts for children to grow as people. This sits alongside an academic offer and a powerful values-driven culture.

What was the position you were recruited for. Please briefly outline the position you were recruited to within your organisation and summarise the business needs and role you fulfil

I have worn many different hats during the 6 years of One Degree’s evolution and pride myself on my ability to do ‘whatever it takes’ in the service of our children and staff. From welcoming its first reception intake in 2016 to shifting our school’s operations to remote learning during the pandemic, I have led the operations of the school.

My current responsibilities include the strategic management of the administration team, governance, human resources, premises, health and safety and control of a £1.8 million budget as well as leading our 15-million-pound building program. A key part of this has been the commissioning and contract management of operational services required to enable a small, yet growing school to succeed. This has included legal, HR, IT, finance and governance services. Attention to detail, clear communication and strong practical partnership working have been key to the success of these.

What attracted you to this position?

The ability to shape something from the beginning. Every day I am driven by a desire to overcome the many barriers that children from disadvantaged backgrounds routinely face. My role as COO at One Degree Academy also allows me to support other schools. This creates an even larger social impact and addresses a moral purpose. I can make decisions quickly to ensure our children and staff are best served and have what they need.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

• Developing a strong support network
• Analytical skills, particularly relating to cost and value to reach a conclusion
• Confidence in being open to new opportunities

What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?

Learning to pivot the way our school worked to deliver education during the pandemic. We were working with the unknown in uncertain times, with guidance changing trying to ensure our children and staff were safe, cared for and still able to access education. It involved being open to changing the way we did things, constantly reflecting on how we might do them better and being able to stay focussed on what was most important in that moment. Using my network for support, solutions and ideas was key to being able to over come these challenges.

What top tips would you give to students looking for a career in your market sector?

Schools can have very different cultures. Do your research and consider the values and mission of the organisation you will work for.

Develop a network to support you in the early years of your career. This is especially useful in teaching, where you will want to share resources and ideas. Be humble, there is so much to learn from others and their experiences.

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?

Applying for a job is as much about you choosing the organisation as the organisation choosing you.

Any additional advice or comments?

Drop me a message if you are considering a career in Education or Teaching.