Catherine Foley

Catherine Foley is an Associate Professor at the University of Reading's Institute of Education (IoE), serving as Head of Initial Teacher Education and leading initiatives in Partnerships and Innovation. Her roles include teaching primary mathematics education, climate and sustainability education, and supervising doctoral students. She has extensive experience in teacher education, having previously worked as a numeracy consultant and national adviser for the UK's Primary National Strategy. Foley's research focuses on primary mathematics education, gender dynamics in learning, and children's attitudes toward mathematics. She co-authored Leading Primary Mathematics and has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Recognized for her teaching excellence, she holds awards such as the Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2024) and multiple university teaching awards.

Her professional service includes roles on the Local Advisor Board for a primary school, chairing the LSE4 ITT Network, and serving as an External Examiner for teacher education programs. Foley is a member of the Equity, Inclusion and Improvement research group and actively promotes inclusive teaching practices. Her research and mentorship emphasize hands-on approaches to enhance teacher confidence in mathematics instruction.