UCAS Teachers and Advisers Conference 2026

Claire McMaster is a seasoned educator and leader with over 25 years of experience dedicated to helping young people achieve their potential. As Head of Programme at Working Options, she leads the strategy and delivery of a national careers programme reaching millions of students across England and Wales annually.

 

A former headteacher, Claire brings deep operational insight into education and career provision. Her extensive background spans classroom teaching, senior leadership, Initial Teacher Training, and Apprenticeship support – giving her a comprehensive understanding of the pathways young people navigate from education into employment.

 

Since joining Working Options at its inception, Claire has been instrumental in scaling the organisation from a small pilot to a nationally recognised programme, developing an evidence-based model that delivers measurable impact: 100% of educators recommend the programme, and 95% of students report increased career confidence.

 

Committed to bridging the opportunity gap, Claire works at the intersection of education policy, employer engagement, and student empowerment – translating complex challenges into actionable strategies that make a genuine difference in young people's futures.