'After being supported in my Teacher Training at Phoenix Collegiate in 2016, and my NQT year in 2017, I have had fantastic years of teaching Geography within school. I have always felt supported both departmentally and around school in general. I and many others have benefitted from fantastic career development through CPD, both within and outside of school, and requests for support or progression are always met with positivity.

These opportunities have led to my successful appointment on the Teaching and Learning team for a number of years. I have been supported furthermore in the completion in my NPQ in Leading Teaching, and successfully gained my accreditation for Lead Practitioner status. I have this year been leading on the Phoenix Teacher Programme in order to upskill new staff on our unique teaching model.'

'I have worked at Phoenix Collegiate since 2016 and have been fortunate enough to excel in my career at the school. I joined the team as a History NQT; I quickly progressed, becoming Deputy Leader of History in my second year before becoming Head of History two years later. After 6 years as Leader of History I am now also an Associate Senior Leader on a 2 year secondment. At every step in my career at Phoenix, I have been supported and guided to make sure I have all the opportunities possible to develop and learn.

Through the Phoenix offer, the school has pushed the development of all staff and I have seen this grow over the past several years. All staff are supported to become the best they can be. Phoenix Collegiate offers a chance to become part of a community, where staff really do have the chance to become the best they can be.'

Since joining Phoenix Collegiate in September 2015, I have had the opportunity to develop my leadership skills in a supportive, ambitious and collaborative school community. I initially joined the school as Assistant Headteacher – Science, where I was given the opportunity to lead a large and wonderful Science team. This role was well supported through a clear TLR structure around my area of responsibility, alongside strong leaders at all levels within the department.

Through the professional development programme, expert line management and the opportunities offered to me, I was able to continue developing as a school leader. I then progressed into the role of Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning, which gave me the opportunity to contribute more widely to whole-school improvement and further develop my leadership beyond my original subject area.

In 2020, I was appointed as Deputy Head Teacher. During my time in this role, I have had several opportunities to develop my expertise and support wider school priorities. This has included completing both the NPQSL and NPQH, as well as engaging with national programmes such as the DfE Behaviour Hub. I have also been fortunate to gain leadership experience across both pastoral and curriculum areas, which has broadened my understanding of school improvement and the importance of working collaboratively across the whole school.

There is real scope for progression at Phoenix. I have personally benefited from the school’s commitment to developing leaders, recognising contributions and creating opportunities for staff to grow. There is a real vision here, with a collaborative culture and a fantastic staff body. It is a genuine community that is valued by staff and pupils, and a school where people are supported to develop and make a real difference.

I joined Phoenix Collegiate as an NQT in 2015 and have thoroughly enjoyed my career here thus far. I have since become Deputy Leader of the History Department, co-leading an incredible team of staff who are truly passionate about the subject they teach. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to lead on the Duke of Edinburgh Award which supported my passion for the outdoors and my ability to build rapport with students in a setting beyond the history classroom.

Furthermore, the CPD offer here is comprehensive and has enabled me to undertake multiple qualifications including: an Aspiring Middle Leader's Program, an NPQLT and a Master's Degree in Education. Staff here are encouraged to be the very best version of themselves in an environment that facilitates and supports continued development.

As a former student of Phoenix Collegiate, I feel privileged to give back to the community that shaped me. Teaching alongside the staff who once inspired me as a student is a true testament to the school’s strong sense of community and its ability to retain dedicated educators.

Since joining the school as the School Staff Instructor (SSI) in 2017 following my service in the Royal Marines Band Service, I have been incredibly proud of the opportunities and support provided throughout my journey. Over time, I have progressed into roles including Contingent Commander for the CCF, DofE Manager, Events and Visits Coordinator, Manager of Student Leadership, and Extra-Curricular Provision. The school has continually invested in my professional development through excellent CPD opportunities, specialist training courses, and support in completing my NPQSL qualification. It is a school that truly values both staff and students, encouraging growth, leadership, and a strong sense of community.

Since joining Phoenix Collegiate in September 2013, I have progressed from a Science teacher to KS4 Coordinator in Science, then Assistant Head Teacher of Science, and currently serve as Assistant Head Teacher of Pastoral, overseeing Behaviour and Attendance. Throughout this journey, Phoenix Collegiate has supported my professional growth through a comprehensive development programme, both within the school and through external providers.

I am passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment where both staff and students feel valued, challenged, and able to succeed. Phoenix Collegiate has a strong sense of community and belonging, which has been central to my development as a leader and educator.