Where?

She’s assistant head and business manager at Hollingwood Primary School, Bradford.

Why?

Just before she retired in August 2008, the previous head at Hollingwood, Rosilyn Owens, encouraged Linda to take the NPQH. Yet Linda has never actually been a teacher. She was dubbed a pioneer by her fellow trainees on the headship qualification and the new head, Jonathan Duke, fully supported her through the qualification.

After 18 years in education, she has built up in-depth knowledge and experience of schools and developed her leadership skills.

Linda started her career in education at Hollingwood Primary as a clerical assistant after working as a classroom volunteer for a number of years, when local management of schools (LMS) was the new initiative.

With her background in commercial banking she was well suited to step into a financial administration role. She became a bursar, then a school business manager, and has since become a valued member of the school’s senior leadership team.

She has worked hard to ensure that the right financial and management systems are in place and helps to ease the administrative workload of the head and deputy head, allowing them to focus on teaching and learning. Linda adds another perspective on strategic discussion and decision-making.

Nominated by

Jonathan Duke, headteacher, who says: “Linda has all the right qualities to be a great headteacher and I’d be sure to give her a glowing reference. Not only is she great with staff and the children, but she understands the challenges schools in the 21st century face.”

Thanks to the National College for School Leadership for nominating this week’s rising star. Send in your one to watch to features@tes.co.uk including 300 words and a picture.