Meet Anjali Majithia, Headteacher at Oakleaf Primary School.
Please can you describe your journey into working in education?
I started out as a TA and qualified as a HLTA. With 2 young children I decided that being a teacher was what I wanted to do so I studied for my BA in Education Studies part time alongside having 2 under 2! Started my GTP year in a school in Luton having 3 under 5!
I qualified as a teacher in 2011 and started my career in Year 1. Left Bedfordshire and moved to Hertfordshire where I worked with some incredible colleagues. Starting there as Year 3 teacher, I progressed to Key Stage lead, and then moved through to Assistant Head and Co-headship.
Having served 10 years at the school, it was time to move on and I decided that I wanted to make a difference in another disadvantaged area in Herts. I have now taken on my first sole Headship, and I love it!
What are the key things you love most about your job?
Making a difference to the lives of children. Working with the most incredible colleagues who go above and beyond for the children.
What advice would you give someone who's just starting out or thinking about starting out and teaching career?
Go for it! Be open minded, reflect on your practice and remember that each day you are making a difference to a child's life.
What advice would you give to those looking to move into leadership?
First and foremost - believe in yourself! Leadership can be difficult so ensuring you have a good team around you is vital. Keep asking questions, ask to take on more leadership roles and put yourself out there. Step out of your comfort zone and go for it.
What support do you get as a Headteacher in Hertfordshire?
Having the support from the Trust has been incredible, especially working alongside other Headteachers. As well as the Trust support, being a Hertfordshire Head opens up a network of other Headteachers in both the local area but also throughout Hertfordshire. HFL provides plenty of sensible and balanced advice that I have found useful also.