Rachel Knox is a deputy headteacher, specialist leader of education, and children’s author whose work sits at the intersection of literacy, creativity, and classroom practice.

With almost two decades of experience in primary education, Rachel has developed a reputation for her expertise in English. As a Specialist Leader of Education, she leads borough‑wide training for Barnsley Local Authority, supporting schools in strengthening reading, writing, and oracy curriculums. For the past ten years, she has also represented the Standards and Testing Agency as the Lead Moderator for Key Stage 2 writing, a role that has shaped her deep understanding of progression, assessment, and high‑quality classroom practice.

Alongside her leadership career, Rachel is a passionate writer. She is the self‑published author of several children’s books, including The Primary School Giraffe and the much‑loved Bunny Penny Series. Her debut children’s novel, Galberg, will be published by Grosvenor House Publishing in April 2026, marking an exciting new chapter in her writing journey.

Rachel’s work with schools is grounded in lived classroom experience. She delivers reading and writing workshops for primary‑aged children, known for their energy, inclusivity, and the way they empower young writers to find their voice. Her picture book, When Penny Met Selkie was created in collaboration with the children of Hepworth Junior School, and she now offers schools the opportunity to co‑create their own book as part of her workshops, a process that has proven both inspiring and transformative for pupils.

Her Bunny Penny picture books explore themes of confidence, acceptance, and the many shapes a family can take, reflecting Rachel’s commitment to helping children feel seen, valued, and understood.