Dr Sharon Smith

My career in education began as a secondary school English teacher, where I also served as literacy coordinator, key stage coordinator, and second in department. With a commitment to continual professional development, I completed an MA in teaching and learning and became increasingly passionate about ensuring all students have access to education that meets their individual needs. 

After ten years in mainstream education, I joined Tute, whose mission to fill critical gaps in learning resonated deeply with my own values. Supported by Tute, I undertook a doctorate in education, strengthening my focus on defining high-quality education that ensures equity for all. At Tute, I blend my love for teaching and learning with research, exploring ways our innovative platform delivers an engaging, rich and inclusive curriculum to diverse student cohorts.  

In addition to my work at Tute, I am a research associate at the University of Chester, and I co-convene the British Education Research Association’s Alternative Education Special Interest Group and am a co-chair of governors at a primary school. These roles feed into the work I do at Tute, aligning with Tute’s core values of collaboration, excellence, and inclusivity. I am passionate about supporting our partners to be evidence informed, identifying what is working for their students within Tute’s provision and how this might be further strengthened in the future, always ensuring students remain at the core of all we do.

As assistant head of teaching and learning, I focus on upholding Tute’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity. I lead our quality assurance team, working closely with curriculum and SEND and inclusion departments to ensure high standards across teaching and learning. Through rigorous quality processes, continuous training, and development, I help Tute provide a rich, inclusive curriculum that bridges critical learning gaps. By amplifying student voice and facilitating evidence-informed case studies, I support data-driven decisions that enhance student outcomes, aligning with Tute’s values of collaboration, excellence, and inclusivity. This work strengthens Tute’s role as a trusted partner in high-quality online education.