Catherine Parfitt - Head of Accredited Training

Catherine joined the BDA in July 2023 as the Head of Accredited Training and is currently working on developing and expanding the BDA’s accredited training services, including short courses, practical teacher training and postgraduate level programmes.

Catherine is a specialist teacher, adviser and assessor for learners with a variety of specific learning differences (SpLD). She has previously worked in Higher Education as the manager of a Needs Assessment Centre, a dyslexia adviser and study skills tutor. She has also been a lecturer for the University of Brighton and Canterbury Christ Church University in special educational needs and inclusion, inclusive and assistive technology, and dyslexia.

Catherine has worked in a variety of contexts, including prison education, mental health services and higher education. She has specific research interests in neurodiversity and social responses to difference, technology for inclusion and the impact of working memory vulnerabilities.

Having gained a dyslexia diagnosis herself later in life, Catherine is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and the belief that everyone can thrive in school, work and life when their differences are recognised, valued and accepted.

Outside of work, Catherine enjoys gardening, cooking and spending time with family and an assortment of cats and chickens.