I’m the Head teacher of a large Primary school with a resource base, with 454 children and 80 staff positions. It’s daunting at times but a lot of fun. 

The moments with the kids and their joy at sharing something they’ve worked on with me is what makes it brilliant.

What motivates you?

I chose primary teaching because I think there’s something wonderful about the primary stage. The children will ask you ‘why ‘all the time. They are enthusiastic and passionate, they have a sense of humour and they want to find out about the world. That’s an awesome thing to be a part of. In primary you also have the opportunity to work with children in reception doing something for the very first time, right through to Year 6 children working at a really high level. 

What is a typical day?

You are all things to all people as a Head teacher – coach, councillor, mentor, boss, supporter.  There are no typical days, but the best ones are where the school just ‘works’, runs smoothly and I see smiling faces at the beginning and the end of the day and I’ve seen some great learning in between.  

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

My family are all teachers and, although I fought against it a bit as a teenager, realistically, I was always going to do something in education. In a family where everyone was a teacher, I saw what a great job it was and the life it gave my family.  When I decided that teaching was what I wanted to do, I looked at universities with strong reputations and Birmingham stood out for me. I liked the ethos of the course and the involvement and experience I’d have out in placement schools. Birmingham was also a vibrant city with lots of opportunities.  

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham?

I’ve worked in lots of different roles within schools, from Teaching Assistant right through to school leader.  In fact, after my current Head role, being a TA was my favourite job in school, spending lots of time interacting and supporting children in class. During my early career, I worked as music lead, PSHE lead, science lead, English lead and maths lead.  I then became a Specialist Leader of Education for maths, supporting schools across Birmingham and delivering initial teacher training in maths. I then moved to become an Assistant Head, then a Deputy before coming to Woodhouse just over a year ago.