Craig Hewitt

This week, we relaunch our Throwback Thursday series, catching up with former students and showcasing the amazing things they go on to do.

First in the series is Craig Hewitt, who studied at Winstanley between 1998 and 2000 and is now headteacher of Billinge Chapel End Primary School.

Craig studied for A-levels in PE, Biology and Business Management before going on to a degree in QTS Primary Education, specialising in PE.

His journey to headteacher included two years as a newly qualified teacher and PE leader at St Oswald's RC Primary in Ashton in Makerfireld; 4 years at St Peter and Paul, Mawdesley;  5 years at ST Bartholomew's Westhoughton; 5 Years at Orrell St James' Catholic Primary School as Assistant Head  and one year at St Teressa's Up Holland Deputy Head.

Now, head at Billinge Chapel End Primary, Craig has this advice for students hoping to pursue a similar path:

“Gain as much work experience as possible in school/ play group settings to support your university application. At university, choose a specialist subject that you have a keen interest in, as you will be asked to lead a subject in school. Music and languages are always helpful, as leaders in these subjects are difficult to find.

When you qualify and become a teacher be prepared for a career with an extensive workload. Schools do put strategies in place to support staff with workload, but the nature of the job means that you will work many hours in the evenings and at weekends. To counter the high workload, the rewards in this job are amazing; there is no better reward than seeing a child achieve their best.”

Remembering his time at Winstanley, Craig commented: ‘I have fond memories of Winstanley College varying from PE lessons, for which you were never late, to endlessly laughing with friends in the dining area.”

Thank you to Craig for sharing his story and joining our network of alumni who provide current students with guidance, insight and, where possible, work experience.   If you are a former student, we would love to hear from you.

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