Headteacher: Jassa Panesar

Jassa Panesar

BSc Chemistry, 1998; PGCE (Secondary), 1999

First job:

Paper round at 14.

Advice for current students:

Don't just randomly apply for jobs in order to secure a position. I did not want to be a Head teacher at any old school. I was coached and supported to become a good leader, and then had the privilege to lead Campion. Find a job and institution that fits your core beliefs. If you want to make money - go to a place that will make you rich. If you want to make a difference, find an institution that wants to make a difference. You will find lots of people like you there.

Ambitions for the future:

Look after my family. Stay healthy. Be an excellent Head at Campion School. Don't become a Head at any other school. See David Gilmour live.

Headteacher Campion School Leamington Spa

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

It is a real privilege to lead Campion School. We have a fantastic community that works together to get the best from our young pupils. I became Headteacher 10 years ago and what attracted me to the role was the challenge of leading and improving a secondary school. As Headteacher, you have to make some tough decisions and you cannot please everyone all the time. However, I work in a school with brilliant kids and a brilliant staff. I am usually laughing and smiling all day. I like getting up in the morning.

What’s your favourite part of the role?

Over the last 10 years I have led the school but have not given up teaching Chemistry. It is still the best part of the day – getting in the classroom. All day, I am working to improve the life chances of our pupils and their families. Whether that be in a finance, SLT, achievement or safeguarding meeting. The best part of the day is when I am with kids - in the classroom teaching, on duty in the canteen, or on the field. Young people keep you young.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

University exposed me to people from many different backgrounds. The main skills I learnt were related to communication. I learnt to listen and relate to many different people. Warwick was an absolute culture shock for me. I grew up in North Coventry and studied at Longford Park Primary school and Foxford Comprehensive school. I had the best teachers (in challenging circumstances) and they straightened me out. I got educated – with qualifications and skills. I achieved good grades, played a lot of football, learnt to play the guitar – joined a band. When I got to Warwick, I met so many people from such diverse backgrounds and realised the world does not end at the bottom of Foleshill Road. At Warwick, I grew in confidence, learnt to communicate – broke out of my shell. The University gives you excellent opportunities to mix with so many different people.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?

No. In my third year on the Chemistry degree I decided to look into secondary education. I turned down an opportunity to do a PhD and opted for a PGCE instead. Some people thought I was mad. I do not regret my decision at all.

What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

Get into schools. They are fantastic places with fantastic people. You will find great schools in many different areas. Do not look at Ofsted reports. Sometimes the best staff are working in the most challenging areas. Talk to staff in schools. Young staff and old staff - staff from different backgrounds. I was very lucky to be mentored by brilliant staff. Leaders like Phil Howe at Arden School, Headteachers including Mark Feldman, Andrew Chubb, and David Chamberlain coached me for many years. Their wisdom has helped me and therefore helped the pupils at Campion.

What does a typical day look like for you?

This happens every day: 5.30am - Exercise, 6.00am - Coffee, 7.30am - Emails, 8.00am - Meet pastoral staff, 8.30am - Whole Staff briefing, 8.40am - Assembly, 9.00am - 11.00am - Teaching, meetings, 11.00am - Break duty, 11.20am - Teaching, meetings, 12.20pm - Lunch duty, 1.00pm - 3.00pm - Teach, Meetings, 3.00pm - Gate duty, 3.00pm - 5.00pm - Meet SLT, staff training etc, 5.00pm - Depending on day - jogging (6.00pm - Governors meeting - depending on date, Parents evenings etc) 6.00pm - Eat with family, 6.30pm - 8.00pm - Finish administration work, 8.00pm - TV, music, read (No social media)

What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?

The expansion of Campion School from 600 to 1400 students was pretty complicated as we had to recruit staff, build new classrooms, ensure consistency, ensure we had a balanced budget and most importantly ensure our pupils did not suffer educationally. As a Head Teacher you must recruit the best staff - a diverse staff with many different skill sets. I was able to do that. Campion has the most incredible staff - from many different backgrounds. All staff work hard and as a team. As I have mentioned before, I was coached by many experienced Head Teachers and the skills they nurtured allowed me to succeed in this challenge. For example, I was able to develop a vision and execute that vision through communicating with our stakeholders.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?

Do it your way - Phil Howe (Head of Science, Arden School)

Don't chase money - My Dad

Build teams - General Stanley McCrystal