Leader of the Centre for Urban Education

Marilyn Eccles is the Director of Urban Education for the city of Manchester and is currently seconded to Manchester Metropolitan University as Leader of the Centre for Urban Education. The Centre is one of the projects within the Manchester: Knowledge Capital prospectus which describes the regeneration which has taken place in the city and the vision for the future. That vision has at its heart a dynamic partnership between the city and Higher Education Institutions aimed at benefiting the community as a whole. Collaborative work is being done to encourage innovative approaches to urban education, raise aspiration and achievement levels, increase participation in Higher Education and maximise the retention of experienced staff in Children's Services. The Centre now incorporates Creative Partnerships Greater Manchester, Warrington and Cheshire East.

Marilyn was previously the Deputy Chief Education Officer for Manchester and as the lead officer for school effectiveness worked on strategies to support school improvement in the City. Marilyn has a strong belief in the importance of creativity in teaching and learning for motivating and engaging children and young people and during her time as Deputy Chief Education Officer she supported schools when introducing innovative approaches aimed at raising achievement; this included the Leading Aspect Award.

Prior to this Marilyn was a teacher, deputy and headteacher in primary schools in Lancashire where she grew up and was educated.

She is a member of the Leading Aspect Award Executive Board.