Helen J. Kitching 1970-2025

Helen Kitching, a passionate advocate for pre-tertiary psychology education, sadly passed away on 1 February 2025 after being diagnosed with cancer some years ago.

Helen received a BSc in Psychology from Middlesex University, was awarded a PGCE in teaching from the University of Greenwich (and subsequently attained QTLS), and gained her MSc Health Psychology from the University of Sussex. Helen pursued a successful and dedicated career in teaching A-level and GCSE Psychology at Sussex Downs College and then Gildredge House School, where she was also Mental Health Lead. Her students and colleagues will miss her generosity and gentle wisdom. 

She developed curricula for the WJEC/Eduqas Psychology board, and authored three well received psychology textbooks for Hodder. Helen was a Chartered Psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS), recognition which is still relatively unusual in school and college teachers. However, thanks to Helen's campaigning, such recognition is becoming more accessible to teachers. Helen was a regular contributor to and editor of the ATP Today magazine, and author and peer reviewer for Psychology Teaching Review.

Despite her accomplishments in teaching and authorship, Helen will be remembered by many for her dedication and commitment to championing pre-tertiary psychology education across the UK and beyond through her roles with both the Association for the Teaching of Psychology (ATP) and the BPS. Helen generously volunteered many hours of her time to numerous committees, including the Education and Training Board and the Standing Committee on Pre-Tertiary Education. She was the first pre-tertiary Chair of the BPS Division of Academics, Researchers and Teachers in Psychology. She organised countless continuing professional development events and served as the organiser of the ATP Annual International Teachers' Conference from 2011 right up to her death. For many, she will be remembered as the welcoming smile that met nervous new delegates, the efficient organiser who ensured a fantastic conference experience, and the dynamic and creative brain behind social events that made sure everyone was included and laughing. 

We will also remember her as a wonderful, spirited friend. She was always there with a hug or a listening ear. Her mischievous (some have even said naughty!) sense of humour made us laugh. Her adventures in nature produced beautiful photos and even more beautiful thoughts from her mindful reflections. Her creativity was boundless, matched only by her love for her family and friends. She lit up every room she entered with her energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of fun. Throughout her long illness, Helen demonstrated indomitable courage. Her motto was "I am the storm". The storm has passed, but she leaves us inspired; her final message told us to "Keep finding the joy. My joy is the love of my family and friends." 

Our condolences are with Helen's family, especially her mother Gwen, husband Tom, children Emelia and Christopher, and her granddaughter Juniper.