Sue Hackman

Sue Hackman, a 1974 graduate in English and American Literature from Kent, has enjoyed a diverse career in education, including roles as a teacher, adviser, and Chief Adviser at the Department for Education.

She authored over 100 educational books and now contributes to charitable causes in retirement. Sue attributes her career to her passion for reading and writing nurtured during her degree. 

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

Teacher, adviser, inspector and writer. National Director of the National Strategies under the Blair government. Future Strategy Team, DfE and Chief Adviser, DfE. Over 100+ published books for classrooms, teachers and children.

Now retired, I'm involved in a couple of interesting educational charities.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Politics, writing, walking.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

It was all good; even the bad bits turned out to be useful. 

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

I can't give up that reading habit after studying an English degree. I also can't give up that writing habit after studying an English degree. I love language and seem to have made a career out of it. I am now making a retirement out of it -such is the wonder of degree in English. It's a course for all seasons, in work or out.

It wasn't just the courses. Student politics, along with my campaigning parents in Manchester, was electrifying enough to carry me over half a century of political grassroots action. I still believe!  

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

It doesn't matter if you don't get that fabulous job first time. Work your way up from the bottom instead. It gives you insight, empathy, experience and it keeps you grounded. You'll be better for it in the end.

May I encourage people from working class backgrounds to be ambitious, brave, enquiring and positive. Your country needs you even if it doesn't know it. 

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

Politics. Going on marches, student meetings etc.
Socializing!
Darwin JCC!

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Film nights at the late lamented Gulbenkian Theatre. Meeting friends at The Bishop's Finger down town. Apple pie and coffee ice cream - yes! - at Quine's diner down town. Drinking at The Missing Link pub in Darwin (yes, there used to be a pub on campus)Dancing round the bonfire in the bomb pit (embarrassing)Occupying the registry (experiment in sleep deprivation) Talking about deep and meaningless things late into the night in Darwin shared kitchen. Talking about poems and novels for three years - heaven! Chairing a student general meeting during the miners' strike when there was no electricity and hence no light. I really did.  

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

I wouldn't worry so much. It was all going to work out fine in the end.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

My first supervision partner Angela Richardson is still my best friend. She's been a lifelong bonus of study at Kent. I also met my husband at Kent and we went on to have two children, travel the world and we're still together.
I think often of Bernie Sharratt, my tutor.

What are your future ambitions?

Live long enough to come to the diamond graduation.