Cat began her career eighteen years ago at an outstanding school in Mirfield. Three years later, she moved to a school in London where she became English Lead and Key Stage Leader. Through her leadership roles, she raised standards in teaching across her team and helped to secure her second Outstanding Ofsted. During her time in London, Cat was also appointed as a Lead Teacher for the Local Authority. This role offered her a wealth of professional development opportunities including a project where she taught and worked alongside advanced skills teachers throughout London.
Cat took up her first Deputy Headship in a deprived area of Outer London in 2013 where she successfully raised expectations and outcomes for pupils’ and staff. She then took up a second Deputy Headship in Harrogate in 2016 where she helped to accelerate pupil progress, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
Having taught throughout the primary age range, Cat was determined to find a leadership role that focused on what she loved most: teaching and learning. She was appointed as a Lead Practitioner for the Trust in January 2018 and a Senior Leader in Education, with a specialism in English in 2019 by Teamworks Teaching School Alliance. As Lead Practitioner, Cat works with teachers to develop their skills and knowledge through joint planning, team teaching, instructional coaching and moderation. She regularly leads and facilitates staff CPD across the Trust. When asked what she enjoys most about her role, she cites the opportunity to impact positively on staff development and pupil progress, but most importantly, to learn from the many dedicated and passionate teachers she works with.