She studied history and chemistry at Keele University, graduating with a bachelor's degree.

She also served as Deputy Chief Examiner for A-Level History for a number of years.

[5] She was created a life peer on 23 September 2014 taking the title Baroness Pinnock, of Cleckheaton in the County of West Yorkshire.

[6] Since June 2015, she has been a member of the Home Affairs Sub-Committee of the European Union Committee.

[2] In July 2015, Pinnock was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Huddersfield.