In a career in education spanning more than 25 years, I have undertaken a variety of roles and am never one to shy away from a new challenge. During my time in the classroom, I have taught across the primary age-range, from nursery to Year 6. This has given me a real insight into child development and a practical understanding of the need for adaptive teaching.
I have senior leadership experience at deputy and head of school level in contrasting settings: an expanding village primary school and urban schools in areas of deprivation and diversity. My leadership experience has helped me to develop a keen eye for systems and processes, looking for ways to refine these to maximum effect to positively impact on workload and pupils’ wellbeing and outcomes.
With over 25 years in education, Sarah has developed a rich understanding of child development and adaptive teaching, having worked across the full primary age range from nursery to Year 6. Her leadership experience spans deputy and head of school roles in a variety of settings, from growing village primaries to urban schools serving diverse, often deprived communities.
Sarah’s career journey led her from classroom teaching into advisory roles where she specialised in science, gifted and talented provision, and early years education, with a particular focus on communication, language, and literacy. Her experience as a SENDCo and School Improvement Adviser for SEND strengthened her passion for rapid improvement and strategic school development.
Beyond the UK, Sarah has worked internationally, delivering tailored support aligned with a range of curricula, gaining deep insight into curriculum design and its vital role in school improvement. Most recently, she has focused on literacy and numeracy as the School Improvement Adviser for Primary Maths and English, leading CPD and overseeing standards across primary schools.
As a Senior Education Adviser, working alongside Helena Brooks, Sarah guides a dedicated team of advisers committed to supporting schools through clear, practical, and impactful advice. She is known for her ability to translate complex challenges into actionable solutions that improve teacher practice and pupil outcomes.
Sarah remains as passionate about education today as she was with her very first class, embracing the power of supportive, practical guidance to help schools create inclusive, high-quality learning environments. She is proud to contribute to BDSIP’s mission to ensure every child receives the best possible education.