Background
Starting Secondary School during the infamous Section 28 era, my teaching career began in a village church school while the ban was still legislative. During my formative years as a teacher, I led a double life, not being able to be my true self in my work place. This didn’t matter to me as it was all I had ever known however going into school leadership I was able to begin to chip away and make a difference.
With almost 20 years experience as a school leader in the form of Deputy Head, Headteacher and Executive Headteacher, I have worked in schools across Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Passionate about developing equality and leadership at all levels; I have collaborated with various networks including Inspiring Leaders, Leicestershire Primary Heads, Loughborough Learning Alliance, No Outsiders, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham City Council, the National Association of Head Teachers, OFSTED and Stonewall to name but a few. Through these links, I have delivered a range of professional development sessions to a wide range of personnel, ranging from school leaders and support staff to students and parents. I have delivered programs, mentoring/coaching sessions and workshops including the NPQML and NPQH qualifications as well as more bespoke training for international corporate organisations including VF Corporation (owner of brands including Vans and North Face).
Award winning Author
I strongly believe everyone has the right to succeed and no-one should suffer at the hands or harsh words of others. This has led to me writing children’s literature. My first picture book “The Best Mummy Snails in the Whole Wide World” (2017) received positive critical acclaim both locally and nationally (including Left Lion, The Nottingham Post, Diva Magazine and the BBC), partnering with Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature. My second book “The Most Contented Snail in the Whole Wide World” was released in 2019 with equal celebration, gaining the Nottingham Rainbow Award in February 2022.
In May 2019, to promote equality for all of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act (2010), I worked with Andrew Moffat (“No Outsiders in Our Schools”) using picture books to educate children about equality, helping Leicestershire develop their Everyone’s Welcome package for schools. In the fight against appalling protests we filmed our sessions for the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire Show.
In October 2017 I collaborated with a working party from Stonewall and the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) to produce guidance for school leaders to support LBGT staff in schools.
Keen to embrace Nottingham’s key historical links at the forefront of the drive towards inclusiveness, in February 2021, I began researching information about the city’s queer past. This was put together in a walking tour that was embraced by local businesses (including 200° Coffee), the Nottinghamshire Business District and the City Council. This was another contributing factor in gaining the Nottingham Rainbow Award (2022).
Further developing stories for adults, I have begun writing a collection of short stories that take a look into queer lives throughout history. This began around the time of the 50th anniversary of the partial de-criminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales. Basing fictional stories in elements of truth helps people today understand how people in the past have had to strive to survive. One of these stories, “Miner’s Pride” was shortlisted for the North Nottinghamshire Writer’s Competition (2019) receiving a glowing commendation.
Troy is excited to be working on a number of exciting projects over the coming year that includes more stories for both children and adults. Look out for more information coming soon.
other interests & projects
Since the age of 15, I have trained with leading vocal teacher, Michelle Wegwart, with vast experience of solo and choral work. This includes participating in Opera Start workshops to introduce young people to the power of music and performance. Originally piloted with secondary pupils, I instigated the first workshops with pupils ranging in age from 4-11 to work with a group of professional and semi-professional musicians. As a school leader, I have initiated and directed school choirs and roused staff to undertake a flash-mob project too.
Troy Jenkinson 