What would change my life?

Being able to buy a house.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

To always make sure you have one evening and one weekend day away from the pile of school work that you never get through.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Qualifying as a teacher aged 21, after 17 years non-stop in education.

What one thing would change your life for the better?

Being able to afford to buy a house or a car, so as not to be reliant on the support of my fantastic parents.

What is the song of your life?

“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. It just sums up life in my eyes, never knowing what’s going to happen.

Who do you most admire?

My mum has always been inspirational to me. She left school with no qualifications because of a serious illness, lost her father when she was only 15 and has spent most of her life caring for others. She hasn’t had it easy, but always finds the funny side of life, and I love her for showing me that I can do anything I want.

What’s the last book you read and how was it?

Thanks for the Memories by Cecilia Ahern. I read her first book P.S. I Love You just before the death of my grandmother in 2005 so she became an important writer for me. The book was heart-warming and funny, the kind of story you want to read again and again.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Emma Watson. I’ve been compared to Hermione Granger many times, so we have something in common.

What’s the secret about teaching that the wider world doesn’t know?

Teachers don’t get 13 weeks’ holiday, they get about four, if they’re lucky. Their holidays are spent planning, and worrying if they’re doing the right things for all of their pupils.

Where is your favourite place?

A small village called Littledale near Lancaster. It holds fantastic memories for me, and the views of the surrounding area are amazing.

If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be?

Elizabeth I. I would love to find out how she coped with being a powerful woman in a male dominated environment, and I love Tudor history.

Apart from the job, what three things are the most important to you?

The three fs - family, friends and faith, both in religion and life. And a fourth, rugby - I’ve supported the Wigan Warriors ever since a friend introduced me to the sport in 2004, and I attend every home game I can. I enjoy watching the energy and excitement.

What’s the big question about life that you would most like answered?

Why do bad things always happen to good people and vice versa?