Katie Wilden

Katie Wilden
Inclusive Leadership
Katie is an experienced and accomplished education professional with a proven track record across further, higher, and vocational education, public sector and beyond. With over two decades of sector expertise, she is recognised for her ability to lead, innovate, and influence to improve teaching, learning, and assessment.
Passionate about inclusion, equity, and belonging, Katie champions professional identity and organisational culture as essential drivers for embedding values and sustaining excellence. She is deeply committed to supporting both new and experienced teachers in their learning journeys, guiding them to thrive in their careers while enhancing the learner experience.As someone with dyslexia, Katie brings a unique perspective to her leadership—valuing creative problem-solving, visual thinking, and innovative approaches to communication and learning. This lived experience informs her inclusive practice and strengthens her ability to connect with diverse learners and colleagues.
In her current role as Head of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development at Suffolk New College, Katie leads strategic initiatives to enhance pedagogical practice, strengthen professional capability, and embed a culture of continuous improvement across the college. She also applies her specialist training in mindset and behaviour management to foster resilience, self-belief, and positive professional habits in staff and learners alike.
Her previous experience includes serving as Area Relationship and Development Lead at the Education and Training Foundation, and her expeeirence in the sector has seen her work with thousands of staff across the UK, supporting and driving sector-leading quality assurance processes, curriculum innovation, and professional development strategies.
Katie holds Advanced Teacher Status, Chartered Teacher Status, and multiple leadership and specialist qualifications. She is also a Fellow of the Society for Education and Training and the Chartered College of Teaching, and an Associate of the Teacher Development Trust—continuing to inspire colleagues and partners by advancing quality, fostering inclusive cultures, and shaping the professional futures of educators.
MEET THE TEAM
At Shine by ES Consultancy, we work with a dynamic and experienced team of associates who bring specialist expertise to our clients, and all have background in education and in teaching . Together, we embed true diversity, equity, and inclusion across education, leadership, and organisational development.

Katie Wilden
Inclusive Leadership Trainer

Lis Hoyte
Educational Specialist in Cursive Control

Mara Delaney
EDI Lead and Business & Management Educator