Katharine Carruthers OBE is Director of the Mandarin Excellence Programme at the IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society. Katharine is an international expert on the teaching of Chinese and a driving force behind the teaching of Chinese in schools in England.
Here are Katharine’s reflections on our questions about women in leadership and education.
What has helped or inspired your own journey into leadership?
I could only lead in a sector in which I am passionately interested – education. I have been inspired at SSAT and UCL by strong women leaders, so the role models were there. I have also been helped in the last decade by what would now be called ‘male allies’ – ie leaders who encouraged me to have confidence in my own ability and potential. Just a small thing like someone pointing out to me that when applying for a job without all the listed essential experience/attributes, ‘men at interview tend to focus fully on all they can do, whereas women tend to mention the things they can’t do/haven’t had experience of yet’ was helpful to understand.
What one thing should schools focus on to address barriers to the progression of women into leadership ?
For me, I would say schools should focus on creating an environment in which women feel as included and heard as their male counterparts, that will help them to achieve their potential, and not shy away from senior leadership roles.
What advice, tip or words of encouragement do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
Believe in yourself and your ability and go for it. Listen hard to others and create an inclusive, collegiate environment in your school.
Women in Leadership and Education
Leadership progression in education is not a level playing field. Whether deliberately or unwittingly, women, and particularly women from ethnic minorities are frequently disadvantaged.
Join us on 18 June 2024 and get ready to be inspired.
