Margaret Wilson

Areas of Interest

Alumni, Education

Honorary Award

Honorary Doctor of Education, 2012

Biography

Margaret has a remarkable record of achievement gained during more than 30 years as an educator, researcher and Head Teacher. She has put all that experience into practice at King John School which, under her leadership, has become one of the top comprehensive schools in the country. During Margaret's time as Head, academic results at the school have consistently improved year after year.

Margaret has made many improvements to the school's practical facilities to enhance learning and teaching and she has worked tirelessly to continually raise standards not only at her school but at others as well. The school leads a local National Challenge Trust School where results have risen significantly, and Margaret is now heavily involved in the proposed sponsorship of another local underachieving school.

In addition to her role as Head Teacher, Margaret is also a qualified Tutor and Assessor for the National Professional Qualification for Headship. She is a National Leader in Education, a School Improvement Partner and National Challenge Adviser, a Facilitator for the British Council, an Associate Head Teacher of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, and non-executive Director of Edexcel Limited - the UK's largest awarding body as well as an Education Adviser for a group of private international schools in Qatar. She has also worked as an external consultant for the Department of Education.

Citation

"Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to read the citation for Margaret Wilson for the award of Doctor of Education, honoris causa.

Margaret Wilson is head teacher of The King John School, a Mathematics and Computing Specialist College in Benfleet and a spokesperson on educational issues.

Margaret has a remarkable record of achievement gained during more than 30 years as an educator, researcher and Head Teacher. She has put all that experience into practice at King John School which, under her leadership, has become one of the top comprehensive schools in the country. During her time as Head, academic results at the school have consistently improved year after year. But academic achievement isn't the only thing they do well at The King John School. There is a remarkable variety of extra-curricular activities on offer, everything from science club to dramatic productions and an excellent Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The school is particularly noted for its sporting success and has been awarded a Sportsmark Gold award for its achievements.

Margaret has made many improvements to the school's practical facilities to enhance learning and teaching and she has worked tirelessly to continually raise standards not only at her school but at others as well. The school leads a local National Challenge Trust School where results have risen significantly, and Margaret is now heavily involved in the proposed sponsorship of another local underachieving school.

The King John School maintains strong links with other schools in many countries around the world, including South Africa, Australia, China and throughout Europe. This broad-based approach to education is clearly enjoyed by Margaret's students, as King John School is the leading school in the Castle Point district in terms of the number of students who remain in further education and training.

In addition to her role as Head Teacher, Margaret is also a qualified Tutor and Assessor for the National Professional Qualification for Headship. She is a National Leader in Education, a School Improvement Partner and National Challenge Adviser, a Facilitator for the British Council, an Associate Head Teacher of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, and non-executive Director of Edexcel Limited - the UK's largest awarding body as well as an Education Adviser for a group of private international schools in Qatar. She has also worked as an external consultant for the Department of Education.

Margaret is renowned not only for her dedication and skills as an educator, but also for her role as respected spokesperson on a wide range of schooling and educational issues and for her wider influence at regional, national, and international level.

Margaret's success in improving results at King John School, together with her expertise and prominence within the education sector, would make her a fine role model for our education and teaching students.

Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to present Margaret Wilson for the award of Doctor of Education, honoris causa."