Principal Hannah Knowles says being a member of ASCL Council is a privilege and it has widened her vision of education. Here she shares her passion for Council, teaching and leading, and her dislike of…101 Dalmatians.

Candid camera

Tell us about your role and your academy

I’m the Principal of The Skinners’ Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The academy is an all-ability, 11–18, non-fee-paying school, supported fully by its lead sponsor The Skinners’ School and the Skinners’ Company, one of the 12 great livery companies in the City of London. Our inclusive focus to education remains steadfast in our approach to supporting the young people in our care.

Tell us about your role on ASCL Council

I was fortunate to have worked closely with Sian Carr, ASCL Past President, as her academy’s vice principal and it was Sian who encouraged me to become involved in the valuable work of ASCL Council. Since 2019, I’ve been on the Teaching and Learning Committee. The committee has discussed and debated some incredibly challenging topics, including the centre-assessed grade (CAG) process for summer 2020 exams and Ofsted inspections, to name just two.

I can’t quite put into words the impact that sitting on Council has had both on my understanding of education but also on my leadership. The ability to discuss important and impactful topics with your peers from different sectors of the education world has broadened not only my understanding of key topics, but also my ability to reflect on how one topic that has little impact in my own context can have significant impact on someone else’s and vice versa. My vision of education has subsequently widened as a result of Council.

It’s a real privilege to speak on behalf of others at Council. I am also Vice Chair of ASCL’s LGBT Leaders’ Network and we have started some important work to bring new voices to ASCL’s work.

Why did you decide to get into teaching/leadership?

Ah, this is quite a simple and I guess fairy tale answer because I decided I wanted to teach from the age of eight. The idea of getting paid to deliver day-in-day-out a subject I love seemed like the best idea in the world. It stemmed from a love of my subject – PE – and like many of us, some amazing teachers providing me with wonderful opportunities.

In terms of leadership, I quickly realised that not only could I get a real buzz from teaching, but I also felt the same from the ability to shape and create opportunities for young people on a wider level and across their education. Leadership really can transform who we are and where we go, and I have always bought into this concept, so I very much wanted to be part of leadership at all levels.

How do you like to unwind?

I have a young family so that definitely keeps me on my toes, but I enjoy nothing more than getting out on my paddle board and walks along the seafront.

Tell us an interesting fact about you

When I was about seven, my uncle, who was a photographer, asked if I wouldn’t mind having a few photos taken with me listening to my Walkman. Fast forward eight years, I was sat in my biology lesson when the teacher asked us to turn to the chapter on electricity. I’m not sure mortified covers how I felt, when there on the first page, I was staring back at the class. I wish I hadn’t been wearing my 101 Dalmatians jumper. I do still, however, have a copy of the textbook.

What’s your favourite book and your favourite film of all time and why?

In terms of films, sports films and their messages of perseverance and overcoming the odds always resonate with me, so with that in mind, I would say Million Dollar Baby. Books are even harder, but I have to say, The Hundred- Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of The Window and Disappeared, by Jonas Jonasson. I just love the message about taking an adventure when you can.

What advice would you give to someone new to leadership?

Listen. Although I am still very much in my infancy of leadership, I have learnt so much by just listening to those around me and reflecting on what is being said. It might be that little or a lot of action is taken from it, but it is essential that those who work with you know that you will take the time for them to be heard.

ASCL Council

For more details on how you can become a Council member, please email ASCL Director of Policy Julie McCulloch at Julie.mcculloch@ascl.org.uk We are particularly keen to encourage people from currently under-represented groups including women and people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, to put themselves forward.

• For further information see www.ascl.org.uk/council

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