Interview: Chloe Metcalf – Educator, SEND Specialist, and Advocate for Inclusive Learning. Part 1

Working in the education recruitment sector, I’ve been fortunate to meet so many incredible people whose stories show just how rewarding, challenging, and meaningful a career in education and SEND can be. I wanted to share Chloe Metcalf’s journey because it captures that spirit perfectly; from changing career direction, to shaping young lives in the classroom, to building her own successful SEND tutoring and consultancy business. Chloe’s story is inspiring, honest, and full of insights that I believe will resonate with anyone considering a career in education or looking to take the next step in their journey.

Part One

I’m always fascinated by the journeys people take into education, and Chloe Metcalf’s story is no exception. From corporate law to becoming a teacher, she’s followed her heart to make a real difference.

In this first part of her story, Chloe shares what inspired her to retrain, the challenges and rewards of teaching in areas of high deprivation, and how her experiences shaped the SEND specialist and consultant she is today.

Background & Career Journey

After a couple of years working as a corporate lawyer, I was disappointed to discover that I wasn’t using my intelligence and skills to make a positive contribution to society. I retrained as a teacher with a passion to support young people to believe in themselves, be the best they can be, and, in doing so, shape our communities for the better.

I worked in an area of high deprivation for my first seven years in teaching. Concentration levels, trust in the education system, and willingness to engage in learning were often low. We had to really understand what made each child tick and make every lesson engaging, purposeful, and fun. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and it honed my teaching skills more than any other school could have.

When my third child finally slept through the night at two years old, I decided it was time to focus more on my career. So, I took the whole family to Borneo and accepted a leadership role at the International School in Brunei. It was a joy to positively influence a whole community of teachers, pupils, and families - nurturing a culture that valued professional growth and dedication to young people’s development. Leadership in the UK can be more complex, with an education system that’s often change-weary and stretched thin by political interference and long-term staffing shortages. But the core purpose remains the same: keeping children’s best interests at the heart of every decision and nurturing a positive, unified teaching team.

I’ve always loved the challenge of unlocking learning for children when others have struggled to reach them, and that’s exactly what I do now through my tutoring and consultancy. I get to know each child: how they think, how they learn best, and what motivates them. Then I tailor their learning around those insights.

Working one-to-one means there’s no compromise. I can give each pupil my full attention and design support that meets their needs exactly. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that direct impact. I’ve always been an employee, so I’m proud to now be self-employed, succeeding at it, and truly enjoying it. My experience as a private tutor has shown me the importance of individualised education.