How Sam's UCLan journey led to a career in Education and Special Needs advocacy

Taking inspiration from his former psychology teacher, alongside being fascinated by people and the aspects of social psychology such as the scientific studies behind how feelings and behaviours are influenced by others, Sam knew that he wanted to pursue a degree in Psychology at The University of Central Lancashire.

At the time of applying to study at the University, Sam wanted to work in the police and was enthralled when discovering that he could combine Criminology with Psychology, making up his dream degree.

Sam recalls loving his Psychology lecturers, “Andy Wickens was always entertaining, and Andy Morley’s social psychology was fascinating.” Sam said. During his studies, Sam discussed how learning about the aspects of child development and attachment sparked the idea of pursuing teaching. This led him to complete a PGCE in SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) after graduating. He was then lucky enough to be offered a full-time position at the school he had trained at.

After two years, Sam combined the love of teaching and his interests in psychology to become a Special Educational Needs/Disabilities Coordinator (SENCo). “This role and supporting pupils in this area is my passion.” Sam said. Sam relocated to a school in Newcastle to become Deputy Headteacher and SENCo and in 2023, he was appointed as ‘School Leader’ in a large multi academy trust and took up position as a ‘Head of School’ in a school in County Durham. His role involves working closely with other leaders to create an inclusive culture with challenge for all, in addition for being responsible for Special Educational Needs/Disabilities provision within the school.

Some of Sam’s greatest achievements since graduating is being shortlisted for a National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN) award for his work with parents/carers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), but most importantly “seeing children reach their potential year on year. I am always amazed, proud and feel incredibly fortunate to have played a part in that.” Sam said.

Last but not least, Sam is the writer behind ‘The Boy Who Wanted to Know’, a book aiming to help young people who struggle with anxiety, alongside also writing an article about effectively engaging with parents/carers of children with SEND which was published in the NASEN ‘Connect’ magazine.

If Sam had any advice for graduates or prospective students, it’d be to “Put yourself in situations where you will be challenged. Step out of your comfort zone and you will grow as a result. Most importantly, figure out why you want to do something.” Sam said.

“From gaining independence and understanding the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone, through to igniting the spark for working with children that I wasn’t aware of, the University of Central Lancashire absolutely put me on the path to where I am today.”