We spoke with Charly Barrett, Strategic Careers Lead, about her journey since she joined United Learning as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 2013.

Charly said: “At every stage, the CPD has been responsive to the needs at the time or the position I was in. It’s been easy to access and is a fundamental part of your job role with United Learning actively wanting to support that.”

Charly explained the qualifications she has achieved over the years: “I have been fortunate to have United Learning support me in completing a Level 6 and 7 Careers Leadership Training, and I have also been given funding to complete a Masters in Leadership and Management. I’m very grateful for the opportunities that have been offered to me and would say they have been instrumental in my career progression.”

In almost a decade at United Learning, Charly has worked in numerous roles with rapid progression. She said: “I started in 2013 as a newly qualified teacher. After six months, I was fortunate to secure the role of Literacy Coordinator. After 18 months, I was promoted to Head of English and became a PiXL adviser which contributed towards my CPD. Five years ago, I joined the Senior Leadership Team as an Associate Assistant Principal for a year, before securing a role with responsibility for Raising Standards. In January 2022, I moved away from school-based roles and now work within the Central Office as Strategic Careers Lead.”

Charly’s motivation for training to teach came after being inspired by her own teachers. She recalls: “I remember two particularly wonderful teachers, and they were everything I aspired to be. Seeing how they supported young people was something I wanted to emulate myself. I wanted to make a difference to children’s lives.”

On United Learning’s company culture, Charly said: “There’s a real sense of belonging, of achievement, trust, and compassion - you don’t often find those things in an employer. I feel valued, respected and as though I have real worth within the trust. The acknowledgment of those things encourages me to give the very best to United Learning as I know they give the very best for me.”

Working in a United Learning school offers exceptional opportunities for development and progression, in teaching and beyond. Why not train to teach and discover where it will take you?