Sue Hannam is the first female headteacher of Lichfield Cathedral School - an independent day school in Staffordshire established in 1942 but with a lineage that traces back to the 14th century. She completed a degree in English Language and Literature, studied in part at the University of Innsbruck, Austria; an MA in the Political Economy of the Media Industry, and a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) from Birmingham University. She went on to qualify as a solicitor, then returned to teaching. In 2009, she was recruited to establish a new sixth form at Lichfield Cathedral School where she was made head in 2015. In 2019 she 'travelled through time' as the Headteacher in the BBC History Series 'Back in Time For School' and can often be seen as an education commentator on television news channels.
“Working with young people is a job that gives you hope, because they are phenomenal.”
Sue Hannam The Female Lead (Volume II): We Rise By Lifting Others: Sue's interview is a part of a wider collection for The Female Lead (Volume 2): We Rise By Lifting Others, a book of 67 women changing the world today. Buy the book to read Sue's story as well as the stories of world leaders, artists, activists, engineers, writers, athletes and entrepreneurs. The book is out now and will also be donated to schools and universities. You can nominate your school to receive a copy or support the work of The Female Lead’s educational foundation by buying your own copy
The women profiled in this book have come together to inspire future generations and to honour the women on whose shoulders we stand. The title We rise by lifting others is woven throughout the book; a belief in the need for a collective effort to make positive change. Not just for women, but for everyone.