What Our Staff Say

"The John Wallis Academy is a special place to be, we are part of an inspiring culture where we are committed to excellence. I love the fact that we have a community of people that want to succeed and be better every day. We have the opportunity to be able to pass on knowledge and set good examples for the next generation of members of the Ashford community. We as teachers are not just the ones that influence others; our students help ourselves to broaden our way of thinking thus making us better educators.

During my time at the Academy, it has been fantastic to see that we want the very best for our students; we wish to help them achieve their goals and aspirations in any shape or form. In addition, it is remarkable that our teachers wish to share their own hobbies and interests with the students, thus creating unique extra-curricular activities that our young people can experience and broaden their horizons. 

I think the best way to describe working at The John Wallis Church of England Academy is to use the quote by Marc Anthony “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”.

Mr D Hubbard, Teacher of Maths

"I have always felt that the The John Wallis Church of England Academy is a professional family that create a hugely welcoming and supportive environment in which to work.

We care passionately about the young people in our community and enjoy sharing in their successes and achievements.  We are a strong team who work collectively to improve together so that we can help pupils and students achieve their full potential".

Mr M Bean, Director of Faculty - The Arts

"A career in teaching at The John Wallis Church of England Academy is not the stereotypical never-ending cycle of plan, teach, mark, repeat. Every day is different and you really do make a difference!  

You cannot help but smile when working with our students. Not only do you get wins with both individuals and whole classes each day but sometimes you really do transform a student’s life.

There is a warm community spirit that exists within the Academy. If you’re a community it’s not like work. For me it’s more like going back to school myself as we are all learning from each other. You are encouraged to share your ideas with the Leadership Team and work together to implement them for the benefit of both staff and students. This follows all the way from the Principal to the caretakers; everyone has a valuable role to play within the Academy community.

Joining the Academy is just the beginning. Once you’re a part of our community, the professional opportunities are endless."

Miss Samantha Manchester, Head of Learning, Wellbeing and Engagement 

"I think there is just something very special about the students, staff and families linked to the Academy. I’ve been here for 20 years and can honestly say it’s the best job in the world. Why, well I think Forrest Gump sums it up nicely ‘Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get’. That for me epitomises each day at the Academy, it’s always fun and challenging to ensure you are motivating and inspiring students to be the best they can be.

The biggest thing for me is the relationships you make at the Academy, it’s like a one big family. To inspire students these relationships have to be developed over time. It’s also not one dimensional, many students I’ve taught over the years have actually inspired me to want to improve and see the world from a different view point. To be part of a community that influences young people’s lives in such a way is amazing. It doesn’t matter how great a teacher you are, teaching is always a challenge (if it’s not, are you pushing yourself?) but the feeling of reward and satisfaction you get from it is second to nothing. The support from colleagues is brilliant and this is what makes it such a special place to work in."

Mr J Tandy, Director of Sport

"Since joining The John Wallis Church of England Academy in September, the staff and students have all been extremely welcoming and supportive in their approach to allowing me become a part of TJWA community. Every day in this school is a privilege, as each day that passes is another day to observe and encourage the school’s development process.

I feel proud and incredibly lucky to be part of such a supportive and dedicated team; everyone is extremely hard-working and staff are always putting the students’ best interests first, regardless of the situation. The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities for students to be involved in with a wide range of provision. The science department have supported me through my schools’ direct programme which has enabled me to become the teacher I am today."

Miss J Veness, Teacher of Science 

"Since starting at The John Wallis Academy in September 2014, I have loved every minute. The Academy is a unique establishment with an ethos which values the success of every individual pupil and student.  

What I like most about working at the Academy is that every day is different. We have the most enthusiastic, inspiring and charismatic pupils and students who will never fail to surprise you. The opportunities and experiences that we offer the young people at the Academy really can change their lives and this is something that I love to be a part of.  

The Academy always has been a very special place to work. I appreciate the chance to work as part of a team in such a positive and supportive learning environment where there are always opportunities to progress."   

I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.  

Miss E Regan, Subject Leader of Dance