Looking out of my office window at the happy, vibrant teenagers walking into the college, meeting friends, playing sports, making music, I do sometimes wonder, how did I get here?
As a former student of the college from 1998-2000, I never thought I would work at Bede, let alone be the principal.
Digging through the archives and hearing people share their memories as the college celebrates its 50th year, I can’t help but reflect on my time as a student.
The only thing I cared about was music – playing guitar, drums or keyboard, learning how to record those instruments, and spending time with my girlfriend, Shelley. My dream was to become a record producer like my hero, Trevor Horn.
My teachers supported me (despite knowing just how competitive this industry was). The careers advisor at the time, Kate Nicholson, inspired me to have the confidence to go for it.
They were right to say the competition was fierce. After graduating with a first-class honours degree from Manchester University, of 250 CVs posted I got 11 rejections and just one interview – it was for Sarm West (formerly Basing Street studios)!
I met with studio boss Jill Sinclair, who gave me a studio tour. Turning down a corridor, she said, “let me introduce you to my husband” and there was Trevor Horn.
As Trevor’s assistant engineer, I got to work on amazing projects for which I am eternally grateful, but it was with having our own family in mind that myself and Shelley decided to return to Billingham.
Applying for a teaching position at Bede, the then principal, Miriam Stanton, took a chance on me. Accepting was one of the best decisions of my life.
Here I am 18 years later preparing to take the college into the next phase. My eldest son, Alfie, is a Bede student, and Shelley and I have been happily married for 17 years.
My mum always said things happen for a reason, I think she might be right!
