Jason Wing, Executive Headteacher at Active Learning Trust
“If it wasn’t for the quality of education that I received, I wouldn’t be doing the job that I do today. I am passionate about providing the best education possible to allow all students to be the very best version of themselves that they can be.”
What is your career history? How did you get to where you are today?
I have taught PE since 1989, initially alongside a busy sporting career. I competed in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, where I finished fifth in the four-man bobsleigh event. I also won a silver medal at the 1994 European Championships and a bronze and silver medal during the 1993/4 World Cup circuit.
I began my teaching career in London at Isleworth and Syon School and Gunnersbury School for Boys, before returning to Fenland and eventually to Neale-Wade Academy as principal in 2011; the school I attended as a child. Since then I have been appointed as Executive Headteacher at the Active Learning Trust and I now have responsibility for three schools; Neale-Wade, Burrowmoor Primary School and Littleport East Cambs Academy (LECA).
LECA was an exciting new challenge for me as it meant I was able to lead the establishment of a brand-new academy from scratch. In June 2017, I was absolutely thrilled to find out I had been shortlisted for the TES Headteacher of the Year Award and in the same month I was awarded National Leader of Education status.
Throughout my teaching career, I’ve been lucky enough to coach a number of high performing athletes, including England International sprinter, Chris Craig, professional basketball players, Joe Fournier and Walid Mumuni, and Watford FC player, Michael Bryan. You can really make a difference to the lives of our young children.
What makes Fenland and East Cambridgeshire an exciting place to teach or lead?
I have worked in the Fenland and East Cambridgeshire area for the past twelve years. It is a special place to me as I grew up in March and attended Neale-Wade Academy when I was younger.
If it wasn’t for the quality of education that I received, I wouldn’t be doing the job that I do today. I am passionate about providing the best education possible to allow all students to be the very best version of themselves that they can be. Fenland has lots to offer and we cater for the full spectrum of ability which makes it both challenging and rewarding.
Why is Fenland and East Cambridgeshire a great place to develop your teaching career? How has the area helped you to progress?
Before moving back to the area, I had been an Assistant Principal in a large comprehensive boys school in London. In Fenland and East Cambridgeshire, I was able to work as a Vice Principal in a small village college. This enabled me to undertake lots of different responsibilities which in turn meant that I became a more rounded and experienced leader.
What support networks are in place for leaders in the area?
There are lots of support networks in place for leaders in the area, from local clusters of schools to the Cambridgeshire Secondary Heads group. One of the key aspects of working in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire is the willingness of our schools to work together and build on our individual successes collectively. We are lucky that schools are happy to collaborate outside of their multi-academy trusts and school to school support is really developing in the area.
What is the best bit about living in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire?
Fenland and East Cambridgeshire offers a real variety, allowing you to live in a rural, village setting with affordable house prices and very easy access to local cities such as Peterborough and Cambridge. London is an hour away and Stansted Airport is easily accessible. I live in Fenland and enjoy all of the above whilst having the comfort of knowing that my children are safe and happy with a wealth of opportunities.