Jenni French
Summary
STEM education expert with 25 years of experience in managing complex educational programs. Demonstrated success in executing high-profile projects and collaborating with government and key stakeholders. Committed to enhancing science education, particularly in physics, within challenging school environments. Highly organized and innovative, with a proven ability to influence outcomes and drive results.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of STEM in Schools
The Gatsby Foundation
London
2020.09 - Current
Led Gatsby's strategic policy initiatives in Teacher Supply and schools programming.
Advocated nationally, fostering relationships with government officials and education stakeholders.
Influenced Department for Education to enhance long-term impacts of Gatsby STEM research.
Transformed perceptions regarding differentiated pay for shortage subject teachers within the education sector.
Oversaw Technicians campaign, promoting technical education to young people and and their influencers.
Developed Technicians gallery at Science Museum, opened October 2022.
Planned additional gallery in Manchester for 2028 to further promote technical education.
Education Consultant
Self-Employed
2014.07 - 2020.08
Led specialist science teacher retention and recruitment programmes for Gatsby Foundation.
Collaborated with trustees, including Lord Sainsbury, to develop educational policy positions.
Conducted horizon scanning for new programme opportunities and provided evidence to national consultations.
Commissioned research and analysed national data-sets to inform policy development.
Established Gatsby as a recognised expert voice in teacher education through strategic advocacy.
Ensured Gatsby policy integration within numerous government initiatives, enhancing overall impact.
Programme Manager
The Gatsby Foundation
London
2002.08 - 2014.06
Collaborated with Teacher Training Agency to develop and deliver pilot Physics Enhancement Programme (now known as SKE).
Established associated mentoring programme to support new teachers.
Expanded recruitment base for specialist teachers, addressing existing shortages.
Significantly contributed to teacher training landscape, with 50% of new physics teachers participating annually.
Head of Programmes and Evaluation
Science Year
London
2000.04 - 2002.08
Implemented, directed, and evaluated innovative STEM curriculum and enrichment activities to enhance government's Science Year initiative.
Education Officer
NESTA
London
1999.08 - 2000.04
Education
Master of Science - Science Communication
Imperial College London
Bachelor of Science - Physics with Astrophysics
The University of Birmingham
Skills
- Data-driven Policymaking and Implementation
- Commissioning Research and Evaluation
- High level Diplomacy Skills
- Grant Management
- Exceptional Communication Skills
Timeline
Head of STEM in Schools
The Gatsby Foundation
2020.09 - Current
Education Consultant
Self-Employed
2014.07 - 2020.08
Programme Manager
The Gatsby Foundation
2002.08 - 2014.06
Head of Programmes and Evaluation
Science Year
2000.04 - 2002.08
Education Officer
NESTA
1999.08 - 2000.04
Master of Science - Science Communication
Imperial College London
Bachelor of Science - Physics with Astrophysics
The University of Birmingham