I’m really excited to be stepping into the role of Managing Director at Rethink Maths. This is so much more than a job for me. It’s about helping to change the way the world sees and learns maths.
Why maths matters to me
I grew up in a deprived background and I know first-hand how education can open doors. For me it was maths that changed everything. It gave me confidence, opportunities and the chance to break the mould.
That’s why it upsets me when people so easily say things like “I hated maths” or “I was rubbish at maths.” We’d never say that about reading or writing, yet it seems fine to say it about maths. I want to change that. I want every learner, whatever their background, to feel successful in maths and to see where it can take them.
Finding my path
When I was studying for my maths degree, I wasn’t sure what career I wanted. I thought about finance, banking, actuarial work and statistics. Then I did a volunteer placement at a school in Morecambe and that changed everything.
Watching students connect with maths and realising I could play a part in that journey made my mind up. From there I went down the Schools Direct route to become a secondary maths teacher and I haven’t looked back.
Learning along the way
I never planned to leave the classroom. But stepping out of it gave me the chance to widen my impact and shape more lives. For the past eight years I’ve worked at White Rose Education. Every role there has taught me something and I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by brilliant people.
Caroline and Tony in particular have been huge influences on me. I’ve learnt so much from both of them. To now have the chance to keep working with them at Rethink Maths is honestly an honour.
The challenges we face
Maths education has its challenges. Equity is one of the biggest. Students come with different starting points, different experiences and different opportunities, yet we judge them all by the same exam.
As a girl from a deprived background I know how much this matters. I want an education system that feels accessible to all but still pushes every learner to achieve their best. Girls and disadvantaged students are groups I feel especially passionate about supporting. I want them, and every learner, to believe they can do maths and that maths can be for them.
Why Rethink Maths?
What excites me most about Rethink Maths is that our mission speaks directly to these challenges. Together we want to:
- Rethink Foundations – give every child the strongest possible start in maths with deep understanding, lasting confidence and joyful learning.
- Rethink Confidence – help people believe they can do maths whatever their age or background because confidence opens doors and changes lives.
- Rethink Inclusion – make sure every learner feels included and valued in maths, recognising their strengths and never lowering the bar.
- Rethink Real-world – show how maths makes sense in everyday life. I want students to see maths as something useful and meaningful, not just abstract theory.
- Rethink Teaching – support teachers every step of the way with resources and strategies that really deliver.
These aren’t just words. They’re the values that will guide everything we do.
Looking ahead
Teachers are already stretched and at Rethink Maths we’ll be thinking hard about how to help manage that workload so teachers can focus on the students in front of them. We want to inspire confidence in every classroom, so teachers feel supported to do what they do best and students are excited to explore the beauty and power of mathematics. For us, it’s about rethinking what’s possible in maths education and helping to shape a future where every learner can fulfil their potential.
I’ve been lucky to have some amazing roles in my career, but this one feels truly special. I get to help build something new with people I deeply respect. Together we share a vision to make a real difference. That’s why I’m here.
At Rethink Maths we want every learner to thrive. To build confidence, open doors and prove that maths really can be for everyone.
