Sarah is a senior lecturer and course lead for primary apprenticeships at the School of Social Sciences and Professions.
Sarah studied for her first degree in Behavioural Sciences at the University of Northampton and was awarded a BSc (Hons). Following this, she completed a PGCE in Primary Education specialising in English and Educational Psychology at Leicester University; she then went on to teach in primary schools across Northamptonshire for 20 years.
During her time as a primary teacher, Sarah has held many roles including English lead, deputy headteacher, key stage leader, writing moderator for the county and specialist leader of education for English. As a member of the senior leadership team, Sarah supported staff both within her own school and across the county to develop their teaching of English and it was during this time that Sarah achieved a distinction in her MA in Education from the University of Northampton. Sarah led the professional development activities across her school and monitored the teaching and learning that was taking place. Sarah’s last post in primary teaching was as an assistant headteacher before joining the education team at London Metropolitan University, initially as an associate lecturer and then into her current role as senior lecturer and course lead for the highly successful PGCE primary apprenticeship based in Northamptonshire.
Sarah is proud to work for London Metropolitan University as she believes that it prepares trainee teachers to positively contribute to the education of children from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Alongside her current role, Sarah is an assessor for NPQ programmes, supports on the academic misconduct panel and is currently studying for a PhD.
Sarah’s interests primarily lie in how the university and schools can work more closely together to bridge the gap between theory and practice on the apprenticeship course. She recognises the importance of teacher wellbeing and is keen to explore the reasons why students commence a teaching apprenticeship taking into account their prior backgrounds and experiences.
Sarah is currently a senior lecturer and course lead for the PGCE primary apprenticeship course. Her responsibilities include delivering face to face sessions, supporting students on placement, providing guidance and advice, assessing progress and supporting the delivery of mentor training.
Sarah Aldridge
Senior Lecturer and Course Lead PGCE Primary Apprenticeships (Northamptonshire)