Member of the Board, NEC

KatherineLewis-Ward

Member of the Board

Katherine Lewis-Ward has worked in education for over 24 years, beginning her career as an English teacher before progressing into middle, senior and executive leadership. Throughout her career, she has been committed to improving educational opportunities, developing the education workforce and ensuring that learners from all backgrounds have the opportunity to achieve their potential.

As a trustee, Katherine brings extensive experience of educational leadership, governance, workforce development and building cross-sector partnerships. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning and widening participation, she believes that education should be accessible, flexible and relevant at every stage of life. Having experienced distance learning herself, she understands the opportunities it can create and is proud to support the National Extension College’s mission to make education accessible to learners, whatever their circumstances.

 

 

Diverse background

South Yorkshire Teaching Hub

Previously, as the Executive Director of South Yorkshire Teaching Hub, she led regional and national teacher training, leadership development and professional learning programmes. Her work included overseeing the NMLSCITT and the delivery of the DfE’s ‘Golden Thread’ of professional development, supporting thousands of teachers and school leaders.

Credentials and associations

Skills Street CIC

She is a Director of Skills Street CIC, an award-winning, innovative and immersive careers education centre connecting education with the world of work. Working with employers, educators and communities, Skills Street enables young people to explore different industries, develop essential skills and make informed choices about their futures. Alongside this, she works as an independent consultant, supporting organisations with strategic planning, leadership development and organisational improvement.

Articles and Insights by NEC

Business woman in a bright yellow jacket chatting and smiling with a male colleague

Business A level: NEC’s Move from AQA to Pearson Edexcel International A level

7 min read
Small group of university students smiling and laughing

Unlocking Higher Education: How to Succeed Through Non-Traditional Routes

2 min read
Teacher looking at a whiteboard of 'hello' messages in different languages

Why Learning a Language Online Works: The Benefits of Distance Learning

10 min read
Silhouette of someone standing alone looking at the stars in the night sky.

GCSE Astronomy: Why Now is the Perfect Moment to Start Studying

5 min read
Field of purple poppies against a blue sky

National Extension College pays tribute to former student and Holocaust author Lyn Smith

1 min read
Two teenage students in an exam setting

Flexible Learning, Flexible Exams: Sitting your GCSEs and A levels in November

4 min read
Maria spoke with NEC CEO Esther Chesterman about her experience of being a distance learner.

Maria’s Distance Learning Experience – From Struggle to an Academic Career

2 min read
Lauren outside her exam centre where she sat her GCSE Psychology exams as a private candidate.

My Journey as a Private Candidate: How I Achieved a GCSE in One Year With NEC – Lauren’s Story

3 min read
A group of teenage girls hugging

Webinar: Belonging – Supporting Young People to Thrive in Education and Beyond

2 min read
NEC student Estrella

Estrella’s NEC Experience: Building Confidence and Pursuing Psychology through Distance Learning

3 min read
Smiling adult student studying online for iGCSE Geography through NEC distance learning.

How Olivia achieved her long-held goal of studying geography with NEC

4 min read
Student studying A levels online with NEC distance learning on a laptop at home.

Studying A levels Through Distance Learning – Evie’s Story

4 min read
Student typing on a laptop while studying online through distance learning

Charlotte’s Distance Learning Experience: Exploring Her Passion for Science with NEC

3 min read
Close-up of a student typing on a laptop while studying online from home.

Alex’s Student Story: Fast Track Physics and a New Route into Aerospace Engineering

4 min read
Three smiling teenage students walking together outside their university building

Webinar with the University of East Anglia: Applying to University

1 min read
female public educational speaker

NEC at the Festival of Education: Shaping the Future of Inclusive Learning

3 min read
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