It was towards the end of the last century when I qualified as an English teacher! Now that’s a weird sentence to write. But then, that’s why I love my subject so much.

Over the last twenty-plus years I have spent the majority of my career working in challenging, inner-city, mainstream secondary schools in different parts of the country, including Manchester, Liverpool, Coventry and Birmingham. I have held various positions including Head of Year, Head of English, Assistant Headteacher and DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead).

In 2017 I left mainstream education to work in a special school in Warrington. This proved to be a transformational decision and my only regret is that I didn’t leave mainstream sooner.

I have always believed that education has the power to transform lives. But in SEND schools “education” encompasses so much more than it does in a mainstream setting. I am passionate about my subject…passionate about Venture Academy… and passionate about securing the best possible outcomes for each of our young people.