As Chief Executive Officer of the Potteries Educational Trust, Heather provides strategic leadership for the education of thousands of primary, secondary and college students across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

Today Heather was awarded an honorary doctorate in front of hundreds of graduating students at University of Staffordshire’s summer graduation celebrations.

In her acceptance speech, Heather told the Class of 2026: “Success isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about learning to adapt. It’s about transforming yourself and others. It’s about resilience. And resilience is something that every one of you graduating today has demonstrated.”

Heather began her career as a history teacher before progressing through a series of senior leadership roles, including serving as headteacher at two successful academies in different communities across the Midlands. Since joining the Potteries Educational Trust in 2021 as Deputy CEO and Director of Educational Improvement, she has helped shape the organisation's strategic direction and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2024.

Throughout her career, Heather has remained focused on ensuring every young person can succeed, regardless of their background. By championing high-quality learning experiences and raising student achievement, she has worked to break the link between disadvantage and future opportunity.

Her expertise has also been recognised nationally. As a RISE (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) Advisor, Heather works with experienced education leaders across the West Midlands to support school improvement and help drive higher standards.

Alongside this, she is helping to shape Stoke-on-Trent's emerging education strategy and serves as Deputy Chair of the Stoke-on-Trent Schools and Colleges CEO Group. Through these roles, she has strengthened collaboration between schools, colleges, universities and employers to improve outcomes for learners across the city.

Beyond education, Heather is committed to supporting culture and communities as a committee member for the Midlands region of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, helping preserve and celebrate local heritage.

University Chancellor Major Levison Wood, said: “Heather has made an outstanding contribution to education and she’s committed to raising aspirations for young people right across the region. We share those same values here at the University of Staffordshire, and we’re proud to welcome Heather as an honorary doctor of the University.”