13 Facts About Maggie Atkinson

Margaret Elizabeth Atkinson was born on 16 September 1956 and is an English educator and the former Children's Commissioner for England.

Maggie Atkinson was born in Barnsley, West Riding of Yorkshire.

Maggie Atkinson received her teaching qualifications at Sheffield University in English, history and drama.

Maggie Atkinson was awarded a Doctor of Education degree by Keele University in 2008 and an Honorary Doctor of Civil Letters degree from Northumbria University in 2010.

Maggie Atkinson spent 10 years teaching in two different schools, becoming Head of English at Birkdale High School in Dewsbury.

Maggie Atkinson became a National Curriculum regional co-ordinator in Yorkshire, before taking a variety of curriculum and children's services roles in local authorities across England.

Maggie Atkinson was appointed Children's Commissioner in March 2010, Following a lengthy selection process, Ed Balls, the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, announced that Maggie Atkinson was the preferred candidate to be put through the vetting process in front of the newly created Education Select Committee.

Maggie Atkinson's tenure was marked by occasional high-profile reporting in much of the press.

In 2010, Maggie Atkinson wrote to Denise Fergus, mother of Jamie Bulger to apologise for the hurt caused by Maggie Atkinson's remarks on the age of criminal responsibility.

Maggie Atkinson had said in an interview that she believed the current age of criminal responsibility in England was too young at 10 years of age, and that it should be raised.

In December 2013, in an interview with The Independent newspaper, Maggie Atkinson made clear her personal view that parental smacking of their children should be made illegal.

In July 2022, a complaint was referred to the Information Commissioner's Office that Maggie Atkinson had broken data protection rules during correspondence with a survivor of clerical abuse.

In December 2013, Maggie Atkinson was a member of a team of Keele graduates appearing on a Christmas Special edition of University Challenge, answering questions on Andy Murray's first Wimbledon win and Hull as UK City of Culture.