Inspirational Headteacher Amanda Wilson honoured Honorary Fellowship by University of Cumbria

Amanda has been awarded an honorary fellowship in recognition of her outstanding contributions to teacher education.

A short spell as a learning support assistant inspired Amanda to train as a teacher, specialising in computing, thanks to her undergraduate degree, and she was offered a place to study a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) at the Urban Studies Centre in 2000. The Urban Studies Centre in London opened in 1973 with our legacy institute St Martin’s College joining the centre in 1976 laying the foundations for our campus in London which continues to provide teacher training today.

The course was offered on a part-time and distant basis, allowing Amanda to balance her studies while looking after her daughter. Upon graduating she spent the next five years working at a primary school in Canning Town. Later she spent five years working for RM Education as an Educational Consultant, then became deputy headteacher in Greenwich and in September 2019, secured her first headship, just before the pandemic.

In 2023, Amanda returned to what is now a University of Cumbria campus and delivered a keynote speech at the university’s 50-year celebration of teacher education in East London where she highlighted her belief in the importance of visibility and mentorship for Black educators.

Brian Webster-Henderson OBE is the Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Cumbria. He said:

“It is for her outstanding contribution to teacher education, leadership and role modelling that I, on behalf of the University Board, have great pleasure in presenting Amanda Wilson to receive an Honorary Fellowship.”

“She has demonstrated significant vision and dedication and is an inspiration to a new generation of black headteachers. It is therefore immensely important that we should honour a proud individual who offers such a range of experience and expertise.”

Newly awarded Honorary Fellow of the University of Cumbria, Amanda Wilson, said:

“I am very grateful, not just for this invitation to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship, but to be invited to share it with so many talented individuals that I have had the pleasure of meeting today. Throughout my career I have been presented with many opportunities, and I have always grabbed them with both hands. I would encourage all of today’s graduates to do the same.

“Someone once said, ‘no man is an island, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto’, and my encouragement to those graduating today, would be to find your Tonto’s; those who will encourage you when you tire and remind you of why you have taken the road often less travelled.”

Watch Amanda after receiving her honorary fellowship on Wednesday. 

ENDS