Andrea St John

I have always been passionate about art, and after achieving a degree in Fashion & Illustration I worked in a variety of creative roles, including working in the fashion department at the Daily Telegraph. I went on to be involved in the design of the iconic Mersey Wave and led on projects during Liverpool’s reign as 2008 European Capital of Culture. It made me immensely proud to contribute to the regeneration of my home city.

When I embarked upon my PGCE, I knew I had found my vocation. I was an art teacher for many years, inspiring young people to realise their artistic talents. One of the proudest moments of my early career was when I worked at a school with historically poor results and made it my mission that everyone, without exception, in my classes, would succeed. My determination resulted in me taking up to 25 students, each year, through to study A-Level Fine Art, initialling confidence and unequivocal ambitions of progressing onto higher education. I was in the first-ever cohort of teachers to be awarded ‘Advanced Skills Teacher’ status, which recognised excellent classroom teaching practice. As an Advanced Skills Teacher, I shared my expertise and supported colleagues across Liverpool with developing their own practice.

I went on to work in a number of leadership positions across the Liverpool and Manchester area, supporting and coaching future leaders and ensuring that staff achievements were recognised and celebrated. I believe in growing talent and developing the next generation of leaders. I firmly believe that quality, people-centred leadership, high expectations, accountability, clarity, sharing best practice, and excellent relationships play an integral role in the overall trajectory of school improvement.

I believe my personal vision, values, and morals align closely to those of the Great Schools Trust. It is my view that every child has potential and deserves nothing but the best standard of education. My aim is to provide equity of opportunity, so children achieve success now and in the next phase of their education and life, making a positive contribution to their community and to society. I look forward to making a lasting contribution to King’s Leadership Academy Hawthornes as it strives towards the next level of educational excellence.