Mary trained as an RE teacher and has worked as a local authority adviser and inspector. She engages with pupils, teachers and leaders about learning, leadership and the curriculum.
Mary has written extensively about leadership, school improvement and the curriculum: ‘Back on Track’, ‘High Challenge, Low Threat’, ‘Hopeful Schools’ and ‘The Curriculum: Gallimaufry to Coherence’.
Mary has been a governor in three schools, and a trustee for a multi academy trust. She co-founded the RE Quality Mark, is chair of the board for the Centre for Education and Youth and a member of the curriculum advisory group for Oak National Academy.