How do you feel taking the reins of a brand-new school in Bishops Stortford?
The school already feels very much part of the Bishops Stortford community. I know the area very well. Having a relationship with the town has been very beneficial. I knew a number of the other headteachers in Bishop’s Stortford before taking the role and they have been very helpful and supportive. Also, knowing the community like I do—I feel like I know what the parents and students of the area want and expect. And as a result, we have been able to create a school that meets those needs and is proving to be attractive to parents.
What made you want to lead a brand-new Avanti school?
I pinch myself every day, this really is a once in my lifetime opportunity. There’s not going to be another new secondary school opened in Bishops Stortford during my working life. To have had the opportunity to mould our new school in my vision, to create the culture and shape its direction is an honour and great privilege.
Before applying for the role, I carried out a lot of reading about what the Avanti Schools Trust stands for, I felt that my own philosophy on education and the development of young people aligned perfectly with what the Trust aims to achieve—educational excellence, character formation and spiritual insight. I’m a great believer in developing the whole child and that’s what we are doing here at Avanti Grange.
How would you describe your first term?
It has been amazing—even better than I expected. I hadn’t worked in a MAT before, but it has been such a positive experience. The support from the Central Team has really made a difference and allowed me to focus on the things that I’m passionate about—teaching and learning, curriculum design and getting robust pastoral systems in place. We’re ahead of the curve…further down the line than I thought we would be after just one term. Our co-curricular program is already embedded. We have a choir, an eco-club, a debating club, and we’re entering district sports competitions. The House system already feels fully established with staff and students alike taking great pride in competing for the Sutton House Cup. Our big focus this term is student leadership and to further embed the core Avanti principles. All of this has only been possible because of the incredibly strong, experienced, committed, and professional staff here at Avanti Grange. I am so grateful for their support and guidance.
What drives you?
Social mobility. With the support from my parents, I was the first person in my family to go to university. I want to give our students the same opportunities, the culture capital, the academic results to open doors so they can progress and be the best versions of themselves, enabling them to go and ultimately make the world a better place. I’m also a strong believer that schools are not just places where you learn subjects like Maths, English and Geography, but where we teach morals, standards, how to be a good person and be a positive influence on society. That’s what motivates me, I want to help our young people by facilitating their academic, moral and spiritual growth.
What makes an Avanti student stand out?
When you speak to an Avanti student, they talk about the Avanti family, community, giving something back, the greater good and social responsibility. Avanti students talk about having a purpose that is bigger than their own lives, they want to change the world and make it a better place.
What does being a Principal mean to you?
As I have mentioned, it is a Principal’s job to set the culture of the school. We are very keen to have a positive culture, a culture where everybody is valued and where everyone feels they can contribute to the direction of the school. My job is to bring that together and keep our community moving forward. I’m a big believer in enabling and facilitating, creating the environment for all member of our community to be the very best version of themselves.