Leaving school Maria trained as a hairdresser, however, soon realised she had not achieved her educational potential, picked up her books and graduated as a mature student from University of Leeds with a degree in Child Welfare and Combined Social Studies and later graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a master degree in Childhood Studies. In 2006 she joined Brigshaw High School as a Learning Manager and has progressed to Cluster Manager. Maria has a passion for equal opportunities in education and supporting children, young people and families to overcome any barriers to reaching their full potential.