Annie’s role combines pastoral care, safeguarding and academic guidance to support students through the key stages of secondary school. Her work focuses on helping every young person feel safe, valued and confident about their next steps — from managing day-to-day challenges to planning for the future.

Q: Tell us about your role, Annie.
A: In my role as a Phase Leader, I provide pastoral support focusing on positive behaviour, emotional well-being, and safeguarding. I am committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and positive environment where every student feels valued and supported. My role involves offering guidance to students during challenging times and helping them flourish through their secondary school journey. I also provide interventions focused on careers and academia for Key Stage 4 to help them achieve their future career goals.

Q: You were nominated for Team Talks for your work with Year 11 students. Tell us about that.
A: I was honoured to be identified by my colleagues for the work I do with Year 11 students. This project focuses on ensuring that every student has a clear and positive destination following their time at Maiden Erlegh School in Reading, whether that’s further education, training, or employment. It’s important to me because I’m passionate about helping students aim high and realise their potential. Supporting them to explore opportunities, make informed choices, and plan for their future is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I can play a part in shaping their next steps and helping them feel confident about what lies ahead gives me a great sense of accomplishment.

Q: What motivates you to keep pushing this work forward?
A: What truly motivates me is seeing the difference I can make in our students’ lives. Knowing that I can be someone they trust, someone who listens, supports and believes in them, gives me a real sense of purpose. Watching our students grow in confidence, manage challenges and see their own potential is incredibly rewarding.

“Watching students grow in confidence and see their own potential is incredibly rewarding.”

Q: What has helped you deliver this work successfully?
A: I believe my success in this role comes from being approachable and understanding. Taking the time to listen and connect with students allows me to better support their individual needs. My experience as a football coach has been a real strength, allowing me to connect with many students who share a love for sport. I use this skill to help students channel their thoughts and emotions in positive and productive ways. Because of the strong relationships we build, students often show me a great deal of respect and see me as someone they can trust. They know that I have their best interests at heart and that I’m always here to help and guide them. I’m also fortunate to work with a team that shares the same passion for students’ well-being and success. Together, we create an environment where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Q: Which MET value connects most strongly to your work?
A: Be Inclusive. My role is all about making every student feel valued, supported and understood regardless of their background or challenges.

Q: What advice would you give to colleagues?
A: Always lead with patience and respect. When students feel valued and heard, it becomes much easier to support them in diffusing difficult situations. Building those positive connections is the foundation for making a real difference.

Q: Any final thoughts or inspiration to share?
A: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Thank you to Annie Khan for sharing her insight and for everything she does to support students at Maiden Erlegh School in Reading.

#TeamMET #MaidenErleghReading #StudentSupport #PastoralCare #BeInclusive