Staff Profile
Dr Trudi Garratt-Ward
Senior Lecturer
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I graduated from the University of Reading in 1993 with a BA (Hons) 2.1 in Classical Studies and worked in retail management before applying for, and completing, a PGCE (Primary Years) at the then University College of Ripon and York St John in 1995. Since qualifying as a teacher, I have worked in a broad range of schools, including small rural and large urban primaries.
I have worked as an advisory teacher within a Local Authority as part of their Behaviour Support Team, a role that included supporting vulnerable pupils and families from nursery through to secondary school. I have held a number of leadership roles, including subject leadership, KS1 leader, SENDCO, EYFS lead, deputy head, headteacher and executive headteacher. My most recent role was as a schools’ leadership adviser within the Diocese of Leeds, supporting over 40 primary schools across a diverse geographical area. Throughout my career, I have supported trainee teachers and ECTs, acting as mentor and offering guidance as new colleagues embark upon this most rewarding of professions.
- School – School of Education, Language and Psychology
- Email – t.garrattward@yorksj.ac.uk
- Phone – 01904876208
Further information
Teaching
As a primary specialist I currently teach Art and Design, English and Professional Studies. I am Academic Tutor to a group of Year One students and also a link mentor.
Research
I completed my Doctorate in Education here at York St John University in 2023 and my research focused on academisation in primary schools. My thesis is titled: Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain: Lifting the veil on primary academisation. This is a creative work using an autoethnographic approach and applying psychoanalytical theories, including Lacan and Jung, to examine the impact of academisation on primary school leaders.
My current research interests centre on developing our understanding of children’s spirituality and how to engage this in the classroom, alongside issues relating to education policy more broadly and leadership within primary schools and academies.
Professional activities
I have completed two professional qualifications: the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL). Additionally, I have a distinction at Level 7: Senior Leader Standard.
I am currently a member of the Governing Body at a local primary school.
