“I saw the passion my teachers had and the joy of learning they instilled in me and I wanted to share that same joy with other children”
Your Loughborough Story
- Can you tell us about your memories of your time at school?
I loved my time at school.
I was part of the school choir under Peter Underwood and loved the 9 lessons and carols at Emmanuel Church. Probably the highlight of my year- and the seemingly infinite amounts of mince pies afterwards!
Other memories involve discussing Pride and Prejudice with Dr Eadie during A Level history lessons and learning to drink black coffee as part of Greek lessons with Mr Payne. I also had the opportunity to go to the USA twice with the school choir and to Russia with Mr Cullingford- 6 boys and 20 girls. That was fun!
I was in the CCF Naval section and got to carry the school’s colour in front of the Queen during the royal visit.
2. If not answered above, what is your fondest memory from school?
Probably the 1996 USA trip. I was old enough to really enjoy and appreciate the culture and what we saw and did. I also loved the Quincentenary celebrations and the visit to London – St Paul’s and Les Mis.
3. How did your time at school influence your life and career?
I saw the passion my teachers had and the joy of learning they instilled in me and I wanted to share that same joy with other children. I also wanted to make sure that pupils get the opportunity to explore the world when they are young and have always strongly encouraged residential trips.
4. What do you wish you had known when you were in Sixth Form?
That I didn’t know everything!
5. How would you describe school in three words?
Full of life
Alumni Career Wisdom
- What led you to choose your career path?
A desire to make others as excited about learning as I am. I went to university wanting to be a history teacher, but while I was there did work with a children’s group and realised that many younger children need positive male role models and I enjoyed the fun you could have with Primary children. The rest is history…
2. Could you provide an outline of your job role?
I am Head of Primary in an independent school. There is an overall principal who I report to and I sit on the schools leadership team where decisions are made on whole school issues. I have responsibly for setting the curriculum, managing and appointing staff and ensuring behavioural responsibly among pupils. I am also responsible for the primary boarding house.
The role creates for very varied days and plenty of opportunities to set direction and inspiration for my team and the pupils in the school.
3. What are your career highlights?
2 headships.
Watching children I taught in Primary leaving secondary as confident well adjusted young people.
Leading end of year prize giving and celebrating the achievements of the school and it’s pupils.
4. What’s one piece of advise you would give to current pupils thinking about entering a similar role to yourself?
Treat everyday as an adventure. Expect the unexpected.
5. What job search tips would you give to pupils looking for a career in your industry?
Get yourself into schools and familiarise yourself with what education looks like.
To progress look for any opportunity to take on tasks in schools to add to your CV.
6. What are the key skills you need for your job role/to work in your industry?
Patience, humour, being able to work collaboratively, a willingness to listen before you act. You have to enjoy people, but you don’t need to be an extrovert. An ability to be able to review and interpret data in a variety of forms is also useful.
Final notes
- What ambitions would you still like to realise?
I have achieved more than I have ever expected. It might be nice to become overall principal if a school.
2. Do you have any advice for current pupils/graduates who don’t know what to career path to follow?
Study what you enjoy and see where it leads you.
3. Do you have any hobbies that keep you busy in your spare time?
I love board games and when I have the time I paint and carols party warhammer. I am also a qualified rugby referee and love coaching rugby.
