Shirley Clarke is often described as the foremost authority on the practical application of formative assessment. She runs one-day regional courses throughout the UK which are frequently oversubscribed. The most exciting aspect of her current work is her creation of a number of LEA-based action research ‘learning teams’, groups of about 30 teachers who meet her for three days a year, to discuss and feedback their experiences in formative assessment. Shirley runs about 8 of these teams a year and there is a continual demand for new teams. One-day courses keep teachers up-to-date, but the learning teams create individual experts in formative assessment, schools as centres of excellence, model classrooms and an LEA resource for future development.

Shirley has written a number of books for teachers about formative assessment. Her books are always best sellers, considered a vital resource for those committed to the power of formative assessment in enhancing children’s learning and confidence. (See the publications page for a hotlink to the publisher).

Shirley began her career as a primary teacher in the Inner London Education Authority. She became a primary mathematics consultant and was then seconded for two years to one of the first development agencies for KS1 test writing (CATS). This was followed by 10 years as a lecturer and researcher at the Institute of Education, University of London. Shirley is now a freelance consultant, running courses, researching and writing.

On 24th October 2007, Shirley was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Greenwich.

Shirley lives between England and the USA and is happily married to John, an American educator. They have a daughter, Katharine Rose.