“Study a subject you are passionate about first and then take a PGCE, rather than going for an undergraduate education degree.”
Your Loughborough Story
- Can you tell us about your memories of your time at Loughborough High School?
I remember that our year group was pretty wild in UIII – UIV. We used windows as doors, threw toilet paper everywhere and caused chaos on school trips. Things settled down a lot when we hit GCSEs, but my memories of school are still overwhelmingly positive. I particularly enjoyed the Italy and Greece trips with the Classics department, being in the Tableau and having the opportunity to be involved in so many extracurricular events and clubs.
2. If not answered above, what is your fondest memory from school?
I remember everything about Ms. Harvatt, the Headmistress for most of my time at LHS, with a particular fondness. Although we were all terrified of her – particularly as UIII students with long socks that would not stay pulled up – she created an amazing school culture and genuinely believed in the potential of every student. Her impact on me as I grew older, from her encouraging words to her actively seeking sponsorship so I could afford certain opportunities, was huge. And her legendary map drawing skills have made me unafraid to showcase my terrible art when teaching!
3. How did your time at school influence your life and career?
I loved studying Classics from my first Latin lesson, and went on to study Classics at university. This subject directly influenced my worldview and perspective, including my views on education. In addition, the teachers (particularly for Latin, Greek and History) taught me the value of education, to have a love of learning and the importance of thinking critically and developing my own views. What I value most, however, is learning tolerance and consideration for others regardless of religion, gender, sexuality, etc. It wasn’t until I left LHS that I realised how rare this is.
4. What do you wish you had known when you were in Sixth Form?
I received a piece of advice at university which I wish I had been told earlier. It is good to work hard and achieve the best grades you can. However, if that is all you focus on, you are wasting your life opportunities. Use your time in Sixth Form and University to travel, to volunteer, to try new experiences and to develop your passions.
5. How would you describe school in three words?
Opportunity, community, learning
Alumni Career Wisdom
- What led you to choose your career path?
I did not want to be a teacher when I was at school. I did not have any plans beyond studying Classics – and I realised on arrival at university that becoming an academic was not something I wanted to do. However, I did spend time at school and university volunteering with children and teenagers, so I decided to spend a week at my old primary school. I loved it, and never looked back!
Becoming an international teacher was also not the plan. However, I took opportunities to travel and volunteer overseas whilst at university, including several visits to Cambodia. In my second year of teaching I applied for a role in Cambodia; it was initially an exercise in developing my CV, but I decided to accept the role and moved to Phnom Penh in my mid-20s. I initially went for 2 years, but I married a Cambodian man and have lived in Asia ever since. I have taught in Cambodia, Indonesia and China, and – whilst it has not always been easy – I have loved it.
- Could you provide an outline of your job role?
In my current role, I teach English Language and Literature to 5 classes across 9th – 12th grade (Year 10 – 13). I also have an Advisory Group of Grade 10 girls who I meet with regularly to offer pastoral and academic support, and I am responsible for one of the school houses (although the student leader does all the work!). I am currently taking a break from leadership positions, but in previous schools I have designed curriculum, coached teachers, overseen pastoral programmes, organised support for students with neurodivergent or learning needs, led Safeguarding teams, spoken at conferences and more.
- What are your career highlights?
In my last role, I set up a new international secondary school – first as Deputy Head and then as Headteacher – in Siem Reap, Cambodia. We grew from 22 students to nearly 100 in three years, and expanded rapidly in terms of staff members and facilities. We received Cambridge Accreditation, allowing us to offer the international version of the GCSE programme, and were also accredited by the Cambodian government. The school had students from over 20 nationalities and accepted young people with a range of learning needs and English levels. I am so proud of everything the students achieved, particularly our first IGCSE candidates – who all overcame personal challenges to pass their exams. It was probably the most difficult period of my career, but also the most rewarding.
- What’s one piece of advice you would give to current pupils thinking about entering a similar role to yourself?
Teaching is a demanding career, and you need to see the value of what you are doing to change the lives of the students you work with. Look for opportunities to volunteer in schools and talk to current teachers to decide if it is for you.
- What job search tips would you give to pupils looking for a career in your industry?
Study a subject you are passionate about first and then take a PGCE, rather than going for an undergraduate education degree. Use your undergraduate time to volunteer in schools and participate in other voluntary or paid work with children and young people – even better if you can get out of the university ‘bubble’ and work with children from disadvantaged areas. You will enjoy your time at university more and will have transferable skills and experience for entering teaching.
When you come to job hunting, networking is everything. Always visit the school before you apply if at all possible, and try to communicate directly with school leadership if not. Research schools in advance, partucularly if invited to interview, to make sure you will be a good fit and there will be no unnecessary surprises. Presentation matters, and that includes proof reading cover letters, tailoring applications for the specific school, and ensuring that you look the part for interviews. Be thick skinned as you will receive countless rejections and ignored applications. And take opportunities that you may not have been expecting – you may end up teaching in an exotic location or working to transform the lives of disadvantaged young people.
- What are the key skills you need for your job role/to work in your industry?
You need to enjoy being with children and young people; just enjoying your subject is not enough. You must be flexible, willing to put in the extra hours, able to empathise with others and passionate about seeing young people grow. There is a level of paperwork, organisation and public speaking required, but you do not need to be highly organised or extroverted: I know many excellent teachers who are introverts, who hate speaking in front of adults and who are terrible at keeping paperwork up to date. A willingness to learn and a sense of humour are, however, essential.
Final notes
- What ambitions would you still like to realise?
I hope to return to school leadership in the future, and would love to move into educational consultancy and travel the world once my kids have left home.
2. Do you have any advice for current pupils/graduates who don’t know what to career path to follow?
It is OK not to know! Start with what you are interested in and see where it takes you. Volunteer for things, talk to people and try work experience in different areas until you find something you can imagine doing.
3. Do you have any hobbies that keep you busy in your spare time?
I love to travel and explore new areas. Teaching internationally is perfect for this – lots of holidays, spare money to pay for trips and a base in a location that is already far more exciting than Loughborough!
