I have taught Science for 30 years to students ranging from ages 11 to 18 in different educational institutions in England. Twenty four years were spent in three different comprehensive schools, both secular and non-secular. During this time I held middle leadership roles as a curriculum leader. I currently teach Biology in a post-16 college. Throughout my career I enjoyed researching, and I used evidence that emerged from it to support developments within the departments that I led. Recently I studied part-time for an MA in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of Nottingham. I have now completed courses. Both my practice-based inquiry and dissertation involved practitioner research in the context of teacher leadership within the post-16 college where I work. This has reinforced my interest in research and the role it could play in educational developments within schools and colleges.