Education Policy Specialist, Association of School and College Leaders

Sue Kirkham taught in state schools and a sixth form college after qualifying as a modern languages teacher and was a headteacher for fourteen years, firstly in Worcestershire and then in a larger school in Staffordshire where she was involved in the development of a 14-19 partnership. Following her retirement in 2007, she now works for ASCL as Education Policy Specialist.

She has published a modern languages text book, a handbook for heads of department and has edited books for ASCL on 14 to 19 collaboration and Modern Languages.

Within the Association Sue has chaired the Education Committee, has been Honorary Secretary and was President during the year in which SHA became ASCL (2005-2006). Sue now represents the Association on a number of national committees, including the Joint Associations Curriculum Group which represents the views of school and college leaders from the state and independent sectors. During the autumn of 2002, Sue served as a member of Mike Tomlinson’s A Level Inquiry Reference Group, was a member of the Assessment sub-group of the Tomlinson 14 to 19 review and a member of QCA Board from 2003 to 2009, also chairing the QCA 14-19 Advisory Group.