Throwback Thursday: Charlotte Foster

This week’s Throwback Thursday features Charlotte Foster, who attended Winstanley College from 2008 to 2010. Charlotte is now an Assistant Head Teacher at a primary school.

After attending Culcheth High School, Charlotte joined Winstanley College, where she studied Maths, Biology, Psychology, English Literature, and General Studies.

In 2010, after leaving Winstanley, Charlotte began her degree at Edge Hill University, pursuing a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS, specialising in Maths. The three-year programme combined on-site theory with practical experience in a variety of school placements across the North West. She gained invaluable experience working with students in Year 1/2, Year 3/4, and Year 5 classes, giving her insight into different age groups and school demographics. Her hard work and commitment paid off when she graduated with first-class honours in 2013.

Charlotte’s career in education began immediately after graduation. In September 2013, she secured a position as a Year 6 teacher at a two-form entry primary school in St Helens. Her role as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) was just the beginning of her growth in leadership. After several successful years teaching Year 6, she was promoted in 2016 to a Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) holder, where she took on the role of Maths Lead.

In 2020, Charlotte’s career reached a new milestone as she was promoted to Assistant Headteacher. Her responsibilities now include leading Key Stage 2, Maths, Personal Development, and Wellbeing, as well as overseeing the induction of new staff and students as part of her role as a mentor. Beyond her duties within her own school, Charlotte has taken on a wider role as a Professional Development Lead and a Maths Specialist Leader in Education (SLE), supporting schools across the North West to improve their Maths provision. In the same year, she also completed the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL), enhancing her leadership capabilities and preparing her for further senior roles.

Charlotte’s ultimate goal is to become a Deputy Headteacher and, one day, a Headteacher.

For students considering a career in education, Charlotte says: ‘Working in education, particularly in primary education, is incredibly rewarding but also challenging and demanding. To succeed, you need to be deeply invested in the children you teach, always striving for the best outcomes for them. It takes hard work, dedication and a genuine passion for making a difference in their lives. However, the sense of accomplishment when you see your students grow and succeed makes it all worthwhile. If you're ready to commit to the effort, this career is both fulfilling and impactful.’

Thanks for sharing your story, Charlotte!  If you would like to become part of our alumni network, please se the alumni section of our website: Alumni - Winstanley College