Barbara gained a degree in Microbiology with Chemistry from the University of Reading in 1974, then worked in the London Hospital Medical College and Imperial Cancer Research Fund. Once her 2 sons were busy at school, she worked in a laboratory in a Secondary School and then took a P.G.C.E in Primary Education, teaching in a multicultural school in the London Borough of Redbridge. Whilst there she took her N.P.Q.H. and moved to Norfolk to be Head of a Middle School.

She has co-ordinated Geography and History, as well as Science, and enjoys music as one of her hobbies.