Catherine Bell

Catherine Bell is an Associate Professor in Teacher Education at the School of Education, University of Leeds, part of the Faculty of Social Sciences. She leads the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme and works closely with School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) providers to offer Master’s-level credits alongside Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Her work spans university-led, School Direct, and SCITT pathways, ensuring alignment with Department for Education Initial Teacher Training (ITT) criteria and Ofsted requirements.

Her educational background includes a BSc (Hons) in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Hull, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Leeds, and a Master of Arts in Education. She also holds professional certifications in project management and insurance.

• BSc (Hons) in Mathematical Statistics – University of Hull
• Post Graduate Certificate in Education – University of Leeds
• Master of Arts in Education
• Prince2 Practitioner Certificate in Project Management
• Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy
• Fellow, Higher Education Authority
• Associateship, Chartered Insurance Institute

Catherine's research and practice focus on mathematics teacher education, particularly the role of subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) courses in preparing trainee teachers. She has designed and delivered online SKE courses using Moodle, pioneered blended learning approaches, and led the development of a School Direct Secondary PGCE in STEM subjects. Her current action research explores adaptive teaching in mathematics within a mastery framework, emphasizing responsive instruction based on student behavior and decision-making.

She represents the ITT sector on the West Yorkshire Maths Hub strategic board and engages with the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics. Though no recent publications are listed, her work centers on pedagogical strategies, curriculum knowledge, and systemic teacher development initiatives.

• Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2021)
• Fellow, Higher Education Authority
• Prince2 Practitioner Certificate
• Associateship, Chartered Insurance Institute

Catherine has secured and managed contracts for the Early Career Framework and National Professional Qualifications, advancing teacher development across the North of England. She supervises MA Education dissertations and has taught modules on Contemporary Issues in Education and Research Methods. Her leadership includes managing nine secondary PGCE subjects and delivering Professional Education Studies to trainees.

She collaborates with Multi-Academy Trusts, SCITT directors, and educational stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and ensure compliance with ITT Core Content Curriculum and accreditation standards. Her strategic role as Academic Partnership Lead underscores her influence in shaping teacher education policy and practice regionally and nationally.