Sam began his teaching career as a history teacher in Bedfordshire having completed his PGCE in secondary history at the University of Cambridge under Christine Counsell. His career quickly accelerated and he became Head of history and classics. 

He then moved on to become a Lead Professional and worked for a SCITT Consortium. During his time as an Assistant Head, he had responsibility for the Sixth Form and led a Post 16 consortium arrangement.

In 2015 Sam served as an Associate Principal, with GCSE and A Level results under his tenure receiving commendation from the DFE, Nick Gibb and the SSAT. Sam then served as a Vice Principal, where he directly oversaw student care, the Sixth Form, the curriculum and served as the safeguarding lead for an entire trust. 

The organiser of ResearchED Northampton, he is a leading voice in the current conversation in education. He has had educational resources and research published has also delivered courses nationally and served as a lead facilitator for NPQSL. 

Sam is also the author of Education Exposed and his new book, Education Exposed 2, is set to be released this autumn.

Strickland’s PGCE in secondary history from the University of Cambridge, coupled with his extensive career in education perfectly equip him for his current role.

In June 2020, Sam Strickland appeared on a Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland podcast, discussing the importance of leadership and the role it has played in his career to date.