60 seconds with... Tom Dell, Principal of St Lawrence Primary School

In the first of our "60-second interviews" we caught up with Tom Dell, Principal of St Lawrence Primary School. Tom tells us how the magical combination of brilliant colleagues and invigorating Bruce Springsteen tracks, motivate him to give his all every day

Q: Why did you get into teaching?
A: During my time at University I volunteered as a student mentor at a local secondary school.

Working with a small group of vulnerable students, I was reminded about how much I loved my own school experience because of the positive effect that some of my teachers had on me, helping to steer me (which was difficult at times!) in the right direction.

After leaving university I attempted to follow the herd into the city, before not quite making it in the music business.  I then knew that teaching was for me, and I never looked back.  

Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: People.  This job, at all levels, is about working with people, building relationships and (hopefully) enabling them to flourish.

Q: What keeps you going when it feels tough?
A: Music.  I have a select few albums that I listen to over and over when I need to pick myself up. The grit, determination and resolve in Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’ or ‘Darkness on the Edge of Town’ are a winner for me.

Q: If you had one wish for every child or young person, what would it be?
A: To know the love of working hard and achieving something, as well as the joy of getting on well with others.  Do this and any child or young person will succeed in whatever they choose.