Celebrating leadership in education: A Q&A with Judith Fish, Head of Curriculum at Pudsey Sixth Form College

As we mark International Women’s Day (Sunday 8 March), it’s an opportunity to celebrate the women shaping the future of education and supporting the next generation of leaders.

At Pudsey Sixth Form College, which opened its doors in September, Head of Curriculum Judith Fish has played a key role in building the college’s academic vision from the ground up. From developing a curriculum that meets the needs of today’s young people to creating a culture of collaboration and innovation among staff, Judith’s leadership has been central to the college’s first year.

We spoke to Judith about launching a new sixth form, the importance of supporting young people beyond the classroom, and her reflections on women in leadership.

What has been the most exciting part of leading curriculum development at a brand-new sixth form college?

The most exciting part of this process has been seeing how our team is developing. I had a very clear vision for Pudsey Sixth Form College, and seeing this come to life has been incredible.

That vision has only been possible because of the commitment of our teaching team and the quality, skill and passion they bring to their roles, both individually and collectively. This has enabled us to provide our learners with excellent subject teaching alongside amazing experiences and opportunities.

Now, as we move into our second year, we have the scope to develop this even further.

What makes Pudsey Sixth Form College unique, and how are you shaping a learning experience that meets students’ needs today?

When planning our curriculum offer, we carefully considered the needs of young people today, as well as what parents, employers and universities are telling us they want for young people. This led us to place a strong emphasis on skill development alongside academic achievement.

We have created a year-long programme of events and activities designed to support employability skills such as critical thinking and teamwork. We are also developing a range of diverse pathways including A levels, T Levels, AAQs and GCSE courses, alongside tailored careers guidance at both individual and group levels.

At the same time, we recognise that many young people need support with mental health, wellbeing and life skills that will help them become independent. We want students to leave us not only with excellent academic outcomes, but also with the confidence and skills they need to succeed in whatever pathway they choose.

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women in leadership. What does it mean to you personally?

On a personal level, I have been lucky to be surrounded by exceptional women throughout my life – women who make decisions, take risks and champion others, whether that’s professionally or advocating for their families.

Often these actions, and the sacrifices that come with them, go unnoticed. Having an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate these women, and the progress that has been made – or still needs to be made – is really important.

As a mother of two daughters who are just starting out in their careers, I also hope that moments like International Women’s Day inspire them to believe in themselves and take opportunities to develop their own leadership skills.

As a woman in senior leadership, what challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

Like many women, I have experienced imposter syndrome at times. We don’t always fit the stereotype of what a leader is expected to look like, and sometimes that can make it harder to believe we deserve the roles we are in.

However, the support I’ve received throughout my career has helped me recognise and overcome this. Encouragement and guidance from leaders – both women and men – has been instrumental in giving me the confidence to take opportunities and make important career decisions.

Equally important is the support network around me. My family, friends and colleagues have played a huge role in making my career possible. As a mother and a wife, my career choices have only been possible because of their support and flexibility.

Who has inspired you most in your career, and why?

I’ve been fortunate to work in some exceptional teams and have been inspired by their commitment to excellence, their drive for improvement, and their compassion for one another.

Early in my nursing career, I had two managers – both women – who recognised my potential and encouraged my aspirations for leadership. Since moving into education, I’ve experienced the same support from passionate teams and outstanding leaders who have helped me develop further.

Their commitment to supporting individuals within a team is something I always try to replicate. This year’s theme of #GiveToGain, focusing on generosity and collaboration towards women’s advancement, really resonates with my own values.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles?

Take risks and try to overcome the fear of failure. Understand that you don’t have to be a superwoman to be successful. Find mentors who will advocate for you and support your development. And work on key skills such as communication and emotional intelligence, as these will help you lead effectively and support the people around you.

How do you foster innovation, collaboration and a culture of growth within your curriculum team?

For people to innovate and collaborate, they need to feel safe, valued and respected.

Creating a culture where mistakes can be made without fear, ideas can be shared openly, and people are trusted with autonomy is essential. This relies on strong communication, trust and a shared vision.

At Pudsey, we’ve worked hard to create that culture. I try to lead by example by working collaboratively, sharing ideas and actively seeking feedback.

We also celebrate success – both individual and collective – through staff shout-outs, awards and opportunities for reflection. But ultimately, our team is united by a shared goal: supporting the success of our students.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for Pudsey Sixth Form College and its students?

In our first term, we buried a time capsule containing messages from our first cohort of students. My hope is that when it is opened in 25 years’ time, the experiences of students are still reflected in those words.

One student wrote: “Being 16 is tough, so don’t be too hard on yourself – and I hope you are having an amazing time at sixth form.”

I hope we are creating a lasting legacy for post-16 education in the area, and that Pudsey Sixth Form College will continue to build a reputation for excellence in the experience it provides for its learners, staff and the wider community.