Edel Gillespie, Headteacher at Leagrave Primary School, is a product of the very community she serves.
“I was born and bred in Luton,”the Leagrave Headteacher points out. Her roots run deep in the town and her understanding of its nuances are shaped by a lifetime of personal experience. Edel's parents, Irish immigrants who built their life in Luton, instilled in her the value of hard work and the transformative power of education.
At university, Edel pursued a degree in History and Politics, followed by postgraduate training and a master’s degree while teaching. Her educational philosophy is driven by a passion for enhancing children’s life chances. “I’ve always been interested in how we can help children do better,” she shares.
At Leagrave Primary School, Edel’s mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and develop into a well-rounded individual. “We just look to knock down as many barriers as we can so children can be successful,” she asserts. Her goal is for students to leave with not only a solid academic foundation, evidenced by at least five GCSEs, but also as “good members of society.”
Championing Challenges: The Edel Gillespie Approach
The Leagrave headteacher has been steering the institution through a sea of challenges for a decade. Her tenure has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, not just in academic outcomes but in the holistic development of every child under her care.
Under her guidance, Leagrave Primary has achieved remarkable academic success, boasting the best results in Luton. Yet, Edel remains modest, “Every child is a different challenge,” she asserts, emphasising that accolades and government recognition, while affirming, are not the end goal. For her, success is a moving target, one that evolves with each new cohort of students.
The headteacher’s approach to leadership is deeply empathetic and pragmatic. She understands the emotional toll the job can take and advocates for self-care among her staff, “It’s important to replenish yourself,” she advises, aware of the burnout risks in such a demanding role.
As services like health and social care face cutbacks, Edel finds more responsibilities landing at the school’s doorstep. She stands firm in her conviction that schools need proper resources to meet these expanding needs, and calls for adequate support to lead effectively.
Edel’s leadership is not just about steering the school through daily challenges; it’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to high-quality education and experiences. From theatre trips to London to creating seaside experiences on school grounds, she is committed to broadening her students’ horizons.
Navigating the Education
With her profound experience, Edel offers invaluable advice for educational policymakers. She believes that the foundation of a civilised society is predicated on education, which in turn creates all professions of tomorrow. “Every profession is built on this profession,” she states.
In addressing some of the key challenges, the headteacher urges for long-term thinking in politics. She argues that investing in education will have a positive impact on various societal aspects, including crime rates, healthcare, and technological advancements. “It needs to start in schools,” she asserts.
However, Edel expresses frustration with the tendency to overload schools with responsibilities that extend beyond their primary role of teaching and learning, and the political short-term goals. For the headteacher, solutions should be targeted at the root causes, such as healthcare and parental responsibility, rather than placing additional burdens on schools.
Furthermore, Edel challenges the perception of schools as childcare facilities, highlighting the need for a clear distinction between the roles of educational institutions and other support systems. She points out the contradictions in expectations from schools, such as providing clubs and experiences for children while also maintaining a work-life balance for teachers.
The headteacher also argues for better communication and involvement of those who work in education when formulating policies. She feels that decisions are often made without a clear understanding of the daily challenges faced by educators. “Talk to people doing the job because it often feels like people who aren’t doing the job are coming up with solutions,” she suggests.
Edel Gillespie’s Vision for the Future
When reflecting on her legacy, Edel sees it as the education and experiences she provides to her pupils. “My legacy isn’t in this building,” she muses. “It’s every child from this school.” The true measure of her impact lies in the ripple effect of her teaching—a thousand children over thirty years, each carrying forward the values and knowledge imparted to them. “That’s the legacy,” she affirms, “in the children that you help to form and what they go on to do.”
Reflecting on the broader implications of her role and her motivation, Edel states: “I’m here to develop decent human beings who are going to give back phenomenally to society in their lives.” She takes pride in the accomplishments of her former students, from football players to doctors, acknowledging that she is an integral part of their journey. “There’s such satisfaction in that,” she shares, finding solace in the thought that her efforts are worth it, especially on challenging days.
Edel’s message to her fellow educators is one of encouragement and recognition. She reminds them of their significant influence: “These children will never forget you.” She also celebrates the collective effort of the entire Leagrave School community, from the cleaners to the lunch makers and the teachers, each contributing to the school’s success. “It is about the whole group effort,” she concludes.
Edel Gillespie’s legacy is not confined to accolades or tangible achievements but lives on in the hearts and minds of those she has taught. Her impact, indeed, is the future she has helped to shape—one child at a time.
