Tina Foster

BSc (Hons.) in Computer Science, University of Derby / Postgraduate Certificate in Education, ICT, University of Derby

“The future is technology. Let us make sure that everyone has a qualification to support that. I am thoroughly enjoying the connections between the three secondary schools in our Trust, working together and helping each other.”

My early education was a challenge, dealing with undiagnosed dyslexia.  This affected my dream of becoming a teacher, as I thought I would never be able to study at degree level.  Having a passion for art, I chose to follow a creative career in window dressing, until I had children.

Approaching the 1990s, I returned to education studying IT and discovered I had a strong aptitude for working with computers.  This led to me achieving a Higher National Diploma in Computer Science at Burton College, where they offered me a role teaching computers to adults. During the following five years, I successfully completed my degree in Computer Science and gained my teaching qualifications.

I started at The Pingle Academy in 2005 as a trainee teacher in the IT and Computing Department. Due to my experience, I soon took on the A level teaching. Since then I have been a KS3 lead, second in department and I became Head of Department in 2017 before becoming Trust Leader in 2019.