Fact file:
Name: Tracy Pollard
Job: Headteacher of Abbey Gate College
Born: Northumberland
Lives: Northwich
Education: I M College of PE, Liverpool and MA NPQH Manchester University
Family: Happily married for 27 years with two sons aged 17 and 20
As any headteacher will know, it’s not a cliché when I say that no two days are ever the same! This has always been what I love about the sector; it’s exciting, dynamic and I never know what challenge I can be faced with next.
Typically, I arrive at the senior school in Saighton for around 8am when I use the peaceful period to catch up on emails before the children arrive. I like to greet as many of our pupils as possible at the start of the school day as it’s vital to me that as a headteacher I’m visible and approachable to each and every boy and girl and also their parents.
I spend a good half of my time meeting prospective and current parents so they know when their child is at Abbey Gate College they are being cared for in the best way possible. As teachers we never underestimate the importance of our position in a child’s life. Teaching is still a part of the role I love and it means as a head I still have my ear to the ground. The same ethos is reflected in the infant and junior school in Aldford.
At the moment, I spend a lot of time liaising with our bursar and builders who are currently on site. The school is at an exciting point at the moment with a new sports and teaching pavilion under construction, which will be open in May 2016. We also have planning permission for an all-weather pitch. Both of these expansions highlight Abbey Gate College’s ongoing commitment to a strong future of sporting achievements for our pupils.
My working day can also involve meeting with the school’s PTFA (Parent, Teachers and Friend Association), where the current focus is on a fundraising ball in part support of local charity Children Today. We advocate an understanding in all our pupils of the importance of local causes and each year we encourage them to nominate a charity that has touched them.
Typically, my working day ends by around 6pm before which I do a final check on emails, contact the infant and junior school for a rundown of their day and liaise with my PA on any other issues I need to know about.
By the time I arrive home in the evening, I like to spend my time catching up with my two sons on their day as well as cooking a meal for my whole family. I like to relax by reading a good book – I always find it’s the best way to help me unwind for a good night’s sleep before another day unfolds.
What do you wear to do your job?: Businesswear.
What is the favourite part of your job? Interaction with the pupils.
What is the least favourite part of your job? Not enough hours in the day!
What would be your dream job if you weren’t doing what you do now? Travel correspondent or book reviewer.
How do you relax when you are not working? I love anything that involves being outside. Walking and cycling are amongst my favourites. I also enjoy watching car racing with my family.
What is your favourite film? Bond films (particularly any with Daniel Craig).
What is your favourite book? Anything in the crime thriller/detective genre.
What is your favourite song? I’m a lover of all music – pop, dance, classical and choral are my favourites.
If a film was made of your life, who would you like to play you? Dame Judi Dench.
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