SPOTLIGHT ON…

GARY GREEN, HEAD OF VIRTUAL SCHOOL

My most emotional day in education was the day Priory School went to ‘Good’ - following epic work by an epic team.

What does a typical day look like to you?

It depends on the day of the week! I split my time between supporting City Academy Norwich and working across other BET schools, supporting leaders and teachers. I am currently working on developing a trustwide improvement strategy for Pupil Premium students.

A day in Norfolk will usually involve time in classrooms with colleagues, coaching and mentoring. I will also often cover lessons to free staff up to team-teach and collaborate. The day will also usually involve a fair bit of time looking at data and meeting colleagues, developing and reviewing approaches and systems. The day normally ends in the longest commute in the Trust!

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

The thrill of working with exceptional colleagues and teams, utterly committed to giving every child the same chance in life.

How would you describe your day job to a child?

The Virtual School is made up of nearly 1200 students across our 6 schools, with over 350 more in Norwich. My job is really about supporting schools to help those students get the best possible deal in terms of learning, experience and opportunity.

What is your biggest achievement to date, personal or professional?

I have been fortunate enough to work across a number of schools in the Trust and have had the privilege of being led and mentored by exceptional leaders, and leading some great teams and people.

I think my biggest professional achievement has been co-leading rapid improvement at City Academy Norwich, which is a challenging school being supported by the Trust, and helping that school achieve the best results in its history this year. There is a long way to go still, but it’s a very exciting place to be.

My days back South similarly involve working with teams and individuals, helping improve systems, approaches and practice. At the moment I am spending lots of time in schools, seeking to understand the different experiences and barriers for Pupil Premium students across our Trust, and working with Directors, Headteachers and the Pupil Premium Champion Group to evolve, improve, develop and implement impactful strategies to improve outcomes and opportunities for The Virtual School.

What 3 words would you use to describe your role?

Challenge; support; empower.

What’s your favourite line from a film?

“My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.”

What do you like most about your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is helping our schools grow great teachers, because teachers change lives. The most enjoyable part of my job remains being in a classroom with young people.

What’s your personal mantra?

‘Every child. Same chance’.