When I left teaching back in February, I took the time to read through the many cards given to me by parents and students. These messages serve as a vital testimony to the impact of a neuro-affirming approach.

Throughout my eight years in education, my mission has been to share the "enthusiasm that science brings" and "provide students with great opportunities to explore the world around them". Whether leading Neurodiversity Celebration Week or founding our STEM, Chess, and Sustainability groups, I have been constantly inspired by the curiosity of my pupils.

I am proud to have built an environment where many students truly thrived. As one parent beautifully put it: 'Behind every child that believes in themselves, is a teacher that believed in them first.' My greatest reward is knowing I have helped 'change a child’s trajectory' by seeing their potential before they even saw it themselves. This was reflected in feedback from a parent who told me: "you're the only teacher and subject I don't need to encourage him to revise for, he organisies it all for him." Knowing that "you will certainly be one of the teachers he remembers!" is something I will always treasure.

Witnessing their "seriously impressive" work and passion for discovery has been the highlight of my career. It is this same belief in every child’s brilliance that drives Somerset Tribe today.