Deputy Headspace – Dominic Johnson, Deputy Principal, St Edward’s College, Liverpool

Having had a hiatus of ten years away from St Edward’s College at a Catholic Secondary School in the Diocese of Shrewsbury, it feels only natural be back at the school where my teaching career began. It was at the end of the last century (I am not sure how it feels to write that!) when I joined St Edward’s College as an NQT – as we were known then. I instantly felt a connection with the values and outlook of St Edward’s as an Edmund Rice School. I knew that I was in the vocation that I was called to and, despite the inevitable challenges that all new teachers face, I loved being part of the St Edward’s, and the Edmund Rice, family. And, of course, I soon learnt that the more you put in, the more you get out. Rugby and cricket tours in the UK and overseas saw to that!

The generosity of John Waszek, Principal of St Edward’s College at the time in granting me a year’s leave of absence meant that I continued teaching at St Edward’s College after a year spent at a high school in New Zealand. Moving to St Nicholas Catholic High School in Cheshire in 2012 meant leaving some things behind but taking much with me. What I learnt at such a successful school as St Edward’s very much shaped my ten years as Assistant Head Teacher at St Nicholas Catholic High School.

Returning as Deputy Principal to St Edward’s College in 2022 was an honour and a challenge as the College was moving through a period of significant changes – including becoming part of the Laetare CMAT. Being awarded Good in both the Catholic Section 48 Inspection and Ofsted in consecutive weeks reflected the values and sense of excellence that I recognised when I first arrived at St Edward’s last century – there, I’ve said it again!