I came into education when the government was advocating teachers “making a difference” and I have always held onto that simple thought-for me it is the reason I get out of bed and go to work in the morning.
I’ve had the privilege of 20 years working in schools and serving communities, starting as a teacher of maths. I taught in Egypt for four years and have spent the last eight successfully supporting the transformation of another boys’ school.
I am passionate about making young people’s lives better and I know how education can give any student whatever their background or ability opportunities of success and I care deeply about boys succeeding in education. It upsets me greatly that they are falling further and further behind in schools right across the country, but not here, not at Burnage.
I’m privileged to have returned home to Manchester to serve our community and lead a school where our focus is solely on boys and ensuring they are valued, enriched and thrive.
I arrived at Burnage Academy in February 2004 as a trainee teacher and found a school to call home. I have loved working as an English teacher, as Head of English, as an Assistant Headteacher and, since March 2016, as Deputy Headteacher.
From a young age, I was always reading books and loved words. I studied English Literature at Durham University and, as I love languages, I also did some modules of French with my degree. I am passionate about developing pupils’ vocabulary and independent learning skills, as education opens many doors in life.
Outside of school I play netball, which I have done since I was 8 years old, and run with Sale Harriers, Manchester. I have completed 3 marathons and will consider a fourth at some point soon! I love to travel and see friends in different parts of the world.
I grew up in Yorkshire but believe South Manchester is now my home. I am proud to work at Burnage Academy: it is a wonderful community with very caring staff and pupils. Pupils in Burnage genuinely want to be the best they can be and they help to make our school outstanding.
My love of mathematics began at infant school where I became fascinated by numbers and patterns. I went on to study Maths at Warwick University.
In my career I have led three maths departments and worked in two leadership groups, always striving to make maths fun to learn and to ensure that every student achieves his best.
I joined Burnage Academy in 2012 and I am incredibly proud of the school and its’ students. It is a wonderful place to work.
Away from the world of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching Manchester City, city breaks, mountain hiking, walking with my Jack Russell and I compete in Latin American and Ballroom dance competitions.
I have always been fascinated by people and culture – our similarities and differences distinguish us and yet we all share a common humanity. I went on to study Linguistics at the University of Manchester and Bangor University.
I joined Burnage in 2008 as a trainee teacher then became employed as an English Teacher, was Second in English, then became Rowan House Leader for seven years. I’m now Assistant Headteacher and feel extremely proud to be part of our school community.
I’m passionate about young people taking an interest in the world around them, making the best decisions for themselves and being enthusiastic about learning.
When I’m not at work, I keep active with hockey and play for a large South Manchester club. I also enjoy spending many hours in the kitchen cooking, baking and eating.
I started teaching at Burnage Academy for Boys in 2010 when I arrived as a trainee teacher and have loved every minute of my time here since.
The supportive and vibrant atmosphere of the school has helped me develop both as a teacher and as a person. Although being placed at BAFB by chance, I knew from the moment I arrived that this was the right place for me and the place I wanted to stay.
I love the diverse community we have here at BAFB and I am proud to represent it. Every single person who walks through the doors is made to feel welcome and given the opportunity to succeed. This is at the heart of why I became a teacher and why Burnage is so important to me.
When I was younger, I was fortunate enough to benefit from excellent teaching and a wide curriculum full of opportunities. This helped inspire a love of learning that has lasted throughout my own childhood and into adult life.
I feel that as teachers we have a duty to develop this in our pupils by giving them a broad education full of new experiences. I strongly believe in our school’s ambition to develop lifelong learners.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing and watching all sports; particularly golf although never very successfully! I also love travelling and have been fortunate to travel to many different places across the world.