Jamie Barry

Jamie graduated from Birmingham City University in 2004 with a BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS - and less than a decade later he was appointed head of Welford Primary School in Birmingham in January 2013. He was 30 when he took up the post.

"It has been a bit of whirlwind and, at times, a very steep learning curve - but I cannot think of any better career. I love teaching and the ability to give children the best opportunities possible," said Jamie.

"I cannot praise Birmingham City University highly enough for helping me kick-start my career," added Jamie. "I felt I was 100 per cent job-ready thanks to the vocational focus of the course, the academic rigour of the study and the support of the tutors."

In his various roles since graduating, Jamie has earned a reputation of applying innovation to teaching. He was an early user of interactive white boards and implementing information and communication technology in the classroom and across the school.

It's crucial that we engage and motivate children, and make the learning experience as exciting as possible for them. We need to switch children on to learning so that they continue as lifelong learners when they leave us."

Attracting the attention of school leaders, by the end of his fourth year of teaching, he took up a post as a deputy head teacher and worked at this level until taking up his first headship at Welford Primary School. The school has 480 children, aged between three and 11 years.

Always wanting to 'think out of the box', Jamie has recently bought a double-decker bus to permanently park in the school's playground to provide an interesting place for youngsters to play and learn.

"School is the most important part of their lives. If we inspire children now we can be much more confident that they will achieve whatever they set their minds to in life. That is why I cannot imagine doing any other job."

Jamie said as a head teacher he misses being in the classroom - but now has new challenges in developing his team of passionate colleagues. "Education is fast changing and I am fortunate to have a team that looks forward to making a difference."