St Georges Central Primary School sits in the heart of Lancashire in the town of Tyldesley. Mark Grogan, the head teacher, began his journey in 2001, not with the intention of shaping young minds but with sights set on a different kind of service.
“I wanted to join the police,” he states, “but primary school teachers were in demand,” It was a decision that would redirect the course of his life.
Within a year, Grogan discovered a passion for teaching. “Giving children opportunities to do things, I realised I loved it.” His dedication was quickly recognised, leading to a permanent contract after just one month—a rarity in the profession.
Grogan’s ascent to leadership was marked by a series of “mini promotions” before taking a significant leap in 2005 as a key Stage 2 leader in Atherton. It was there, during a stint as acting head teacher, that he found his true calling. “It was on my first day that I decided I wanted to be a head teacher,” he reflects.
Since his appointment in 2012, Grogan has believed that every experience, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. “You’ve got to realise that every situation is unique and needs to be looked at in as much detail each time,” he says. This approach has seen him navigate “critical incidents” with a sense of reflexivity, always learning, always adapting.
Mark’s Digital Strategy
Mark is no stranger to the digital revolution and has a proactive approach to social media. Grogan’s digital footprint extends beyond Twitter to Instagram and other platforms, reflecting his belief in the power of these tools to connect and communicate on both local and national scales.
Mark’s philosophy is to embrace the positives while acknowledging the negatives, understanding that social media is a platform for free speech. “You’ve got to embrace both,” he insists, referring to the varied opinions about the school shared online. This open-minded stance extends to interactions with parents, where he encourages dialogue rather than censorship.
The head teacher’s forward-thinking doesn’t stop at social media; he’s also exploring the potential of artificial intelligence in education. Currently pursuing a master’s in educational leadership, Grogan is delving into global megatrends to better prepare for the future.
Mark acknowledges the challenges that come with digital advancements, particularly among children. He sees it as a parental responsibility to monitor and guide their digital interactions. The digital world, he notes, is “a double-edged sword,” a sentiment that captures the dual nature of technology.
As the landscape of social media continues to evolve with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, Grogan remains committed to adapting and embracing these changes. For Mark, the journey into the digital age is one of opportunity, learning, and positive engagement, setting a precedent for educational leaders everywhere.
Embracing Community and Opportunity
Grogan is a man deeply rooted in his community. “I live locally and I grew up in this area,” he shares, emphasising the importance of instilling a love for one’s community in the children. His approach is holistic, involving the school in over 80 sporting events and cultural activities like art exhibitions and filmmakers’ competitions, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.
The school’s involvement in significant community projects, such as the mosaic on the guided busway, is a testament to its proactive nature. “When the school and the community are working collaboratively, it’s got to be positive,” Grogan states, highlighting the mutual benefits of such a partnership.
The head teacher sees his role as building upon the work of his predecessors, aiming to do “what my teachers did, but better.” This philosophy extends to the physical presence of the school within the community, symbolised by the nearby St. George’s Church, a beacon visible from afar. “People will see it from a distance and think of you in your school, in your community,” he says, underlining the school’s role as a representative of the community’s spirit and values.
Despite challenges like funding and recruitment, Grogan remains optimistic, viewing obstacles as opportunities. This positive outlook is what drives St Georges Central to provide exceptional opportunities for its students, making it a beacon not just in a metaphorical sense, but as a tangible symbol of hope and progress for the community it serves.
The Hallmark of Leadership at St Georges Central
Over the course of the conversation, it is evident that Mark has a firm commitment to ensuring educational excellence by embracing positive changes. Drawing parallels with successful sports team managers like Sir Alex Ferguson, Grogan believes that the ability to evolve with the times is crucial for a leader. “You’ve got to be able to look at people individually, not everyone's the same,” he asserts, highlighting the importance of personalised approaches in managing staff and families.
For Grogan, there are no hard and fast rules in leadership. “The world is not black and white,” he says, advocating for an interpretive approach to each unique situation. This mindset allows him to navigate the complexities of educational leadership, where factors like funding and resources may seem binary, but creative solutions can transcend such limitations.
Mark’s leadership style is proactive and preemptive, always ready to adjust plans and strategies in response to new developments. “You’ve got to be ready and prepared for anything,” he explains, embodying the school’s ethos of turning challenges into opportunities.
The head teacher’s vision of leadership is one that embraces change, values individuality, and seeks positive outcomes from every scenario. What’s more, his commitment to early mornings and weekend work reflects his dedication to the school and its community, ensuring that he is always prepared for the unexpected. Such preparedness will be sure to keep St George’s and the Tyldesley community flourishing for years to come.
