About Vicky Graham
As the Associate Head of School, I have the privilege of leading a dedicated team of academics and teacher educators. With a diverse portfolio and a significant international reach, our provision covers education, professional development, and teacher training. My role is to oversee high‑quality teaching and learning, the development of our provision, and the student experience to ensure our programmes are globally relevant and responsive to the needs of learners and educators in a wide range of contexts.
I worked for many years in financial services, sales and training. I decided to change my career and pursue my passion for teaching following my oldest son's difficulties in navigating the education system and his diagnosis of autism.
I am a proud alumnus of the University of Sunderland. I completed the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS at the University of Sunderland which really ignited a passion for learning and self-development. I went on to study the MA Education while working as a primary school teacher, later working as an Academic Tutor and then Senior Lecturer at the University.
These experiences have given me a real passion for teaching, research, and inclusive practice.
Teaching and supervision
Our provision includes our suite of Master’s programmes: MA Education, MA Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion, and MA International Education. Our MA Education Programme is also delivered through Transnational Education partners in Singapore. We deliver a range of distance‑learning teacher training routes, including the PGCE Education (DL), PGCE Early Years Teaching, PGCE Education (French Medium), and PGCE SCITT. In addition, we offer short courses aimed at professional development such as the PGCert Leading Provision and Practice, Mentoring and Coaching, and SEMH. Our provision also includes the Assessment Only Route to QTS (AoR).
I was previously the Programme Leader for MA Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion, MA International Education and MA Education. I led teaching and curriculum development across the MA programmes including supporting master's students throughout their theses.
Interests
My undergraduate dissertation considered person-centered approaches in the EHCP and annual review process for children with SEND. My postgraduate work looked at parental engagement and relationships with schools following school closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic.