Meet the Team - John, Teacher - Bridgeway School

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I've always loved art as a subject, and I wanted to teach it in a way that really encourages young people to express themselves creatively – to give them a voice and help them be heard through different creative mediums. It's about helping them understand the world they live in through a more creative lens.

When I was at school doing art, I had some talent, but it wasn't really nurtured properly. I always felt art should be taught differently – in a way that truly empowers young people. I kept thinking about the art education I wished I'd had and how I could give that experience to others. That's what really inspired me to pursue teaching.

What do you love most about working for WG?

As a company, we're incredibly child-centred. The way we care for and educate young people is honestly the best I've seen anywhere. Everything we provide – from how we equip our staff and deliver training, to the therapeutic input we offer – makes this such a special place to work.

We work really closely with each young person to create personalised pathways that truly suit them, helping them grow in ways that meet all their individual needs. I think that's quite a privilege in education, really. Our approach is completely holistic, and we maintain brilliant connections with families so we can encourage our young people to be the best they can be. What I love most is that within our setting, our young people are genuinely seen and heard.

How has working with WG enhanced your skills and professional growth?

It's allowed me to grow professionally in ways I never expected. I actually started at Bridgeway as a teaching assistant, but because of my arts background, I was given this amazing opportunity to develop the whole arts department in our school.

Since then, my teaching has grown massively. Now, as subject lead for art, design technology and music, I've been trusted to develop all three areas, and the results have been incredible. Last year, when Ofsted did a deep dive into the arts, we achieved outstanding – which was just brilliant.

The teamwork here has been excellent too. I've been here eight years now, and throughout that time we've maintained this wonderful culture of looking after each other and respecting each other's professions. I've honestly never felt that dread about coming into work – it's never felt like a chore.

What do you find most rewarding about working with children and young people in your role?

It's watching young people's complete journey – seeing them progress from Year 7 right through to the end of their school experience. This is especially meaningful in my subject because they often arrive feeling hesitant and resistant, having experienced so many educational breakdowns previously, plus all sorts of other barriers they've had to overcome.

But to walk alongside them through that journey, allowing them to experiment, helping them build trust with people, and watching them be creative in a safe environment – that's incredibly rewarding. By the time they reach Years 10 and 11 and start refining their artistic skills, their work is genuinely excellent. It's honestly on par with any other school setting.

Many of them go on to mainstream college afterwards because their work is so strong. They've allowed us to show them what's truly possible. That's very much a Witherslack thing – our community is huge, so our young people always feel they belong, which gives them the space they need to develop and flourish.

Can you tell me about a highlight you've experienced whilst working at WG?

The Ofsted visit was definitely a major milestone – it was wonderful to have all the hard work I'd put in properly acknowledged and recognised. But what was even more amazing was watching our young people handle the pressure of answering questions like "What do you think of the arts?" I could see that everything I'd invested in them had been realised in the way they spoke and responded.

I've also been developing our creative curriculum, which has been recognised across the group. I was actually nominated for an 'Innovation and Inspiration' award at WG's Star Awards, which was incredible. Having that recognition – knowing that the work you've put in hasn't gone unnoticed – was a real celebration.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a teacher?

There are certain qualities you need as a person, especially in the SEN sector, because of the level of relationship we develop with young people and the amount of care they require. For me, I started with a love for my subject, but I've come to see how it genuinely changes lives through its therapeutic side – it helps people far beyond just education, giving young people tools for life. How do you put a value on that?

Teaching is so much bigger than just us as teachers. What we're imparting to young people is enormous – it's how communities grow and how we make the world a better place. Going into teaching isn't for the faint-hearted. It requires real commitment and a level of empathy and understanding that you might not find in many other professions. But you get to see instant rewards and witness the incredible journeys young people go on – and that's genuinely meaningful work.