Joanne Harper

Joanne has been working for the UTC Swindon since March 2017 and for the UTC Reading Trust as principal since January 2013. In this role she has worked closely with lead sponsors Activate Learning and lead partners to ensure that both UTC offer 14-18 year-olds in the region an opportunity to study in a state-of-the-art environment where academic, technical and professional qualifications are delivered at a high standard to aspiring computer scientists and engineers. UTC Reading was rated as outstanding by Ofsted in May 2015; the first UTC in the country to receive the highest grade. Previously Joanne was principal of a school in West London where, under her guidance, the comprehensive school for 11 – 19 year olds was graded outstanding by Ofsted. Previously the school was judged as satisfactory. Joanne has been teaching for over twenty years and has a particular interest in education for 14-19 year olds and working closely with industry to ensure students have the skills for the workplace. Joanne qualified from Loughborough University with an honours degree in mathematics and education, specialising in mechanics and decision mathematics, and began her professional life as a mathematics teacher in London. Joanne has also taken the National Professional Qualification for Headship and most recently she has successfully completed a Master’s degree in Education, Leadership and Management at University of Roehampton.