Ambition Institute appoints Hilary Spencer as new CEO

Since launching as a new graduate school of education earlier this year, Ambition Institute has been focused on boosting the quality of development programmes for educators at all levels, drawing on the latest research and evidence to do so.  

In September, Ambition will reveal its full portfolio of educator development programmes to schools in disadvantaged contexts across England. Hilary Spencer will lead the organisation’s three-year strategy to double the number of teachers and school leaders enrolled on Ambition’s programmes 

Hilary has held a range of senior positions in the Civil Service, including more than a decade at the Department for Education, and leading the transformation of Civil Service Learning.

Hilary said: “Ambition Institute plays an important role in helping our education system to keep getting better – through its direct impact on teachers and leaders in some of our country’s most challenging schools, and by working to drive improvement across the wider system.  

“That’s why it’s such a privilege to be joining as CEO, to use the expertise I’ve gained in my time working across government to lead Ambition in its bid to deliver its important mission. 

“That mission is to help make England’s education system the best in the world, supporting thousands of educators over the coming years to give even more children access to the best opportunities.” 

She will be working closely with Rebecca Boomer-Clark, former Regional Schools Commissioner and now Director of Secondary at Ark Schools, who is replacing Baroness Sally Morgan as Chair of Ambition Institute.  

Baroness Morgan is stepping down from the chair role after thirteen years to take up the position of Master at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge. She will stay connected to Ambition Institute in the role of Founding Patron.  

Rebecca Boomer-Clark said: “Teachers and school leaders deserve the best professional development. I am delighted to have Hilary on board; her far-reaching knowledge of our sector will help us reach more educators and schools with the highest-quality professional development, to drive system-wide improvement.”  

ENDS