Sonia Thompson is the Headteacher, at St Matthew’s C.E. Primary School and the Director of St Matthew’s EEF (Education Endowment Foundation) Research School, in Nechells Birmingham. St Matthew’s is a Talk for Writing Training Centre and previously held DfE Teaching School status. Her school regularly hosts’ visits, for leaders who want to see evidence-informed practice, across the curriculum. Prior to working at St Matthew’s, Sonia was a Literacy Consultant for Birmingham City Sonia has written articles and chapters for educational publication is regularly asked to speak at events and conferences, such as ResearchEd, about curriculum, school culture and reading for progress and pleasure. She is a co-opted member of UKLA (United Kingdom Literacy Association) and judges for the UKLA Book Awards and EmpathyLab. Sonia sits on the CofE National Society Council and is a voracious reader of both educational books, children’s books and the Bible.