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2 July 2026

Long Read

A Knight in shining armour for back-to-work mums

After starting with a goal to help 100 women, Jane Knight’s Successful Mums Careers Academy has guided 12,000 people, including some men, into jobs by offering careers help and qualifications

Jessica Hill

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10 min read
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Women tell us, you made me brave. You made me remember who I am

Jane Knight, founder, Successful Mums Careers Academy

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Nowadays, Jane Knight is the embodiment of the organisation she founded. Impeccably dressed and rarely seen without one of her trademark wide-brimmed hats – many of which she makes herself – she is an assured networker.

But 12 years ago, after leaving her role as a college careers adviser and apprenticeships manager to raise her son Daniel, Knight barely recognised herself.

“You’re just known as being someone’s mum instead of being known for you,” she reflects.

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