Our People Stories

I have been part of the SDBE Trust since its inception in 2016. At the time, I was three years into my teaching career and still finding my feet. In the first year of being part of the Trust, I attended the “Developing the Role of Middle Leaders in Primary Schools” course. It was very clear that the Trust wanted to grow and develop leaders within its schools. This was my first experience of working alongside colleagues from other schools, and being in a one-form entry school, this exposure was invaluable to me.

This experience stood me in good stead to go on and complete my NPQML. I had always wanted to do an NPQ but hadn’t quite decided which path to take. The NPQML was the perfect fit. I not only got to collaborate with some excellent middle leaders, but also created my own research project to develop reading in my school, which is a real passion for me. This gave me the confidence to grow my subject knowledge and leadership skills.

I had led English for three years in my school, and the completion of my NPQML helped me to continue developing my leadership in this area. The following year, I was asked to help lead the Trust’s English Hub. Again, this was another opportunity to build my confidence as a leader and to work collaboratively with two English school improvement advisors, which has been hugely beneficial to both myself and my school.

I feel that all of these opportunities have led me to the role of Deputy Head that I hold today. Last year, I was fortunate enough to take up this position at St Luke’s Primary School. The training and networking opportunities that I have experienced over the last seven years have shaped me into the leader I am today. The experts I have worked with, the networks I have been part of, and the continued support from all levels of the Trust have empowered me to strive for more. This has all been possible because of the Trust’s belief in growing its own from within.