Karen Spencer is Principal and CEO of Harlow College and Stansted Airport College. The College prides itself on its excellent links with employers, it’s innovative approach to curriculum and the success of its students.

Karen is the Chair of the Matrix Maths Hub and holds an honours degree in Mathematics. She trained as a secondary maths teacher, before taking up posts in 6th Form and Further Education Colleges. She was a member of the Advisory Committee for Mathematics Education, tasked with giving policy advice to Government Mathematics Education and was involved in the setup of a National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics. She is now a member of the Royal Society Post-16 Maths contact group.

Karen takes an active interest in Mathematics Education and is interested in how the curriculum can better meet the needs of young people and adults.  She has worked on curriculum development and projects, with organisations such as the DFE, the EEF, the ETF, the Institute of Education and the University of Nottingham.
Ms Karen Spencer
Committees Participated Role
RS ACME - Post 16 January 2018 - December 2024 Member
Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (RS ACME) January 2004 - December 2007 Member