I joined Bishop Challoner School as an NQT in 2006. My career progression in the school was facilitated through a wide range of internal and external training programmes to support my professional development.

Due to my in-service training I was promoted to Deputy Head of Faculty responsible for the Key stage 4 curriculum. The GCSE results for Girls in ICT rose markedly in 2007; I was delighted to have been given the opportunity and professional trust to make an impact on results across the Faculty. I had the pleasure of acting as Head of Faculty in 2008 and retained my role in 2009. With the support of my colleagues, the Faculty sustained its record of outstanding examination results.

The Catholic ethos, together with the training and development programmes, not only supported my career in school, but also broadened my professional character as a middle leader. My conviction that education can improve the life chances of young people and my belief that their future success should not be predetermined by social class, nor shackled by educational disadvantage, motivated me to graduate from the Teaching Leaders Fellows programme in 2016 and also attain the National Professional Qualification for Middle Leaders (NPQML) in 2017. Their mission “to address educational disadvantage by growing a movement of outstanding middle leaders in schools in challenging contexts” is one that our school mission is aligned to.

I have since worked closely with outstanding middle leaders across the country to successfully implement the delivery of the new Computer Science curriculum where our young people develop their logical and computational skills to solve problems.

My remit in 2018 expanded to inherit the leadership and management of the Work-Related Learning department delivering Business Studies and Economics at KS4 and Post-16.

The school actively supports all staff to naturally progress into challenging roles which is valued by all staff members. For me, our generous, kind and supportive school community make the school the rewarding place it is and help us to accomplish our vision.

My first visit to Bishop Challoner a number of years ago sparked an enthusiasm that has yet to be pacified! Having previously worked as a Chaplain the school’s ethos and community, rooted in faith, was an immediate attraction along with the vibrant and energetic student body. When I first began teaching here I was an unqualified teacher and through the schools nurturing and outstanding support I have seen a quick development in my career, first gaining my QTS through the Schools Direct programme before became a member of the school’s exceptional pastoral team as a Head of Year.

The school has continuously shown a desire to invest in my development either through CPD or Mentoring from colleagues, and it is through this support that I have been able to achieve goals and targets that are always pushing me forward. However, what is most inspiring is the inclusive and loving nature of the school’s commitment to the development of each and every student, relentlessly working to provide an enriching environment, centred in Christ, for them to fulfil their potential.

I initially joined Bishop Challoner in April 2016 as a TA and was fortunate enough to be offered a Schools Direct Salaried Geography position with the City Excellence programme following a year as a UQT. Throughout my training I have been given numerous opportunities such as co-ordinating extracurricular clubs, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and working as the More Able Coordinator for KS3 in my NQT year.

The school has an excellent environment in terms of staff supporting each other and the community works together in providing students with an education woven with moral, social and cultural development. The professional development offered by the school, teamed with the culture of sharing best practice, provides constant learning opportunities for all teachers, regardless of their experience.