[2][3] Born into a close working-class family in Hackney, East London, when she was 11 years old Adams won a scholarship to Christ's Hospital Girls School in Hertford.
When ILEA closed, she became Assistant Chief Education Officer in Haringey, North London, where she was responsible for all equality issues, working especially hard to develop the careers of black teachers.
A passionate advocate for teachers and teaching,[7] Carol made access to sustained and effective professional development a central focus of the GTCE's work.
[10] Adams presented recommendations to enhance the trust given to teacher's assessment of student's progress, and professional development plans to assist staff in this area.
Given to teachers who demonstrate excellence in these fields, the winners are chosen from the wider Teaching Awards regional finalists, as the best exemplars of good practice in the profession.