Joanne Harper

Joanne is CEO for Activate Learning Education Trust (ALET). In this role Joanne has worked closely with the Chair of ALET to build a strong and dynamic multi academy trust. Joanne has also been recognised by the Department of Education as a National Leader of Education

Prior to this Joanne was the Principal at UTC Reading Ofsted rated Outstanding. In this role she has worked closely with lead sponsors Activate Learning and lead partners Microsoft, Cisco, University of Reading, Network Rail and Peter Brett Associates to ensure that UTC Reading offers, 14-19 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.

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.

With a teaching career spanning twenty years, Joanne 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.

Alongside this, Joanne has also taken the National Professional Qualification for Head Teachers and has successfully completed a Master’s Degree in Education, Leadership and Management at Roehampton University.