What three words best describe you?

Organised, optimistic and caring.

Who was your childhood hero and why?

My mum taught in a small primary school in North Yorkshire. The headteacher of this school inspired my career in education.

Inspirational teachers are never forgotten.

What is your most precious possession and why is it important to you?

I am ashamed to say, my car. I keep it spotlessly clean and always worry about it being scratched or bumped. Not sure why it is so important to me.

What was your first record/CD you bought?

Whitney Houston – Whitney.

What is the radio/television show you hate to miss?

I am rather addicted to hospital dramas – Holby City and Casualty. I thought long and hard about becoming a nurse before I trained to be a teacher.

What is your favourite film?

Love Actually – especially just before Christmas.

What are you reading at the moment?

I am always reading a book that one of the classes has selected for me – I am currently reading Roald Dahl’s Boy – Red Class chose this for me.

What do you wish you were good at?

Flower arranging – my current offerings are so embarrassing.

If you had a million pounds to give away what would you do with the money?

I would set up a sporting trust to financially support young athletes on their pathway to national success.

If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be?

It would be fascinating to meet someone who has shaped recent history (during my lifetime) to give me a real understanding of why things happened as they did – possibly Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana or Bill Clinton.

Is there someone well known you’ve met who really impressed you?

When the Queen visited Salisbury Cathedral for her Golden Jubilee. Prince Philip was amazing with the children.

Tell us about a pet you own or would like to own.

We have a lovely, ageing black Labrador called Berwick.

Who was your first love?

My husband.

What would you never leave home without?

My phone.

What sports team do you support?

Both of my children play a lot of hockey so I support the clubs they play for.

If you could make a change in the law, what would it be?

Creating a lane on the A303 for locals.

If you could take over someone’s job for the day, whose would you pick?

I would love to shadow the chief executive of a major company – perhaps John Lewis.

What one thing would change society for the better?

Parents taking responsibility for their own children and supporting them fully as they grow up.

What would you like your epitaph to be?

The lady who made a real difference to the lives of children.

Is it ever acceptable to break the law?

Yes - if a life is at stake.

How did you meet your significant other?

At school.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

A holiday in the Caribbean each year.