Norland appoints Amanda Wilkinson as Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching)
9 September 2026
Norland is delighted to announce the appointment of Amanda Wilkinson as Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching)
Amanda joins Norland University of Early Childhood with more than 20 years’ experience in education, spanning early years, primary and higher education. Her appointment marks an important addition to the university’s senior leadership team as it embarks on an exciting new chapter as the world’s first university dedicated to early childhood.
Amanda holds a BSc in Psychology and Mathematics, with a particular focus on early years development and the environmental factors that influence it. She began her career as an Early Years and Primary Teacher before progressing into school leadership roles, supporting schools across multiple counties to enhance teaching and learning. Alongside this work, Amanda moved into higher education as a Teacher Educator, training both new and experienced teachers, and has since spent 15 years working across the sector.
Prior to joining Norland, Amanda was Director of Education at Metanoia Institute, a leading provider of psychotherapy education in the UK. Before this, she served as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead for the School of Education and Childhood at University of the West of England Bristol, where she sat on the university’s EDI Strategic Board and worked collaboratively with colleagues across the institution on strategic EDI initiatives.
Amanda’s research focuses on inclusion and student success in higher education, exploring areas including belonging, transitions, accessible teaching, learning, assessment and feedback. Her current work examines how higher education institutions and wider society influence policy, practice, student retention and student achievement.
As Pro Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), Amanda will provide strategic leadership for the university’s academic provision and student learning experience, supporting the continued development of an innovative and inclusive learning environment.
Professor Rebecca Digby, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education and Research) at Norland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Amanda to Norland University of Early Childhood. Her extensive experience across education and higher education, alongside her expertise in inclusive teaching, learning and student success, make her exceptionally well placed for this role.
“Amanda brings a strong commitment to ensuring every student can thrive, and her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to develop an outstanding academic experience and foster innovation in learning and teaching across the university.”
On joining Norland, Amanda Wilkinson commented: “I am thrilled to be joining Norland University of Early Childhood at such an exciting point in its history. Norland’s commitment to creating an inclusive and inspiring educational experience for its students, alongside its ambition to make a positive difference to the lives of children and families, resonates strongly with both my professional values and the work I have pursued throughout my career.
“I am particularly excited by the opportunity to work with colleagues and students to build on Norland’s considerable strengths, further develop innovative and inclusive approaches to learning and teaching, and contribute to the university’s ambitions for the future. I feel enormously privileged to be joining the Norland community and very much look forward to playing a part in this next chapter.”
