“This place does very much mean a lot. It’s where I grew up,” Craig Ross told Around Ealing when he became the headteacher of a local school that he used to go to as a child.
Two years later, and Craig is still as passionate about teaching – and St Gregory’s Primary in Ealing – as he was before.
He started as headteacher exactly 30 years after starting as a pupil aged 5.
“For a very long time, I had this dream of being, firstly, a teacher; and, secondly, becoming a teacher at St Gregory’s – just because I wanted to give something back to the community that had given me so much,” explained Craig.
He hopes his example inspires some of the children to follow their own dreams. And also, that his story might encourage someone reading it to go into teaching themselves – like some of his former pupils are already starting to do.
‘Best job ever’
“My year 6 teacher, Mr Kelly, made me want to learn and be the best I could be,” said Craig. “I then found myself wanting to do that for others,
“The best thing has been the bonds you make with other teachers and headteachers. I would definitely recommend becoming a teacher in the borough.
“It’s been quite flattering having quite a few of my ex-pupils come back to visit, or even start their teaching practise and do some volunteering here or do some work experience. When I was teaching, I sold it as the best job ever. It’s just the greatest to see some of them joining the profession.”
‘Like a family here’
In 2022, the school was rated ‘good’ and highlighted that it was a happy place with a family atmosphere where all pupils get a good education.
“It’s like a family here and everyone has their part to play,” he said. “You can feel confident here, make friends – not just learn.
“I want to offer opportunities to do something and succeed, it is about making them believe they can do it.”
