English Teacher

Lois Royle – Staff Stories

Lois Royle is an English Teacher and Enrichment Lead at [Employer hidden] in Morecambe. Since joining the trust in September 2022, Lois has dedicated herself to supporting pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds by delivering high-quality teaching and enriching opportunities that build resilience and broaden horizons.

Below, Lois shares insights into her journey so far, the support she receives from Star Academies, and what motivates her to continue growing within the trust.

What attracted you to apply for a role at [Employer hidden]?

I qualified as a teacher in 2022 and knew early on that I wanted to work in a school where I could make a meaningful difference. When I learned more about Star Academies, it was clear that the trust places its pupils and communities at the heart of every decision. Their focus on transforming lives of disadvantaged pupils through high standards, exceptional pastoral care and enriching extra-curricular opportunities aligned perfectly with my own values. I wanted to begin my career in an environment where I could contribute to that mission and where I would be supported to grow, both as a teacher and future leader. That’s what drew me to apply, and it’s what continues to inspire me every day.

Which opportunities have played a key role in your professional development journey?

Star has offered me extensive support and a comprehensive range of development opportunities that have helped me grow both in the classroom and as a developing leader. During my ECT years, I received exceptional guidance and feedback from my in-school mentor, professional tutor and the wider Star network, ensuring I always had a community of colleagues to learn from. I also completed the instructional coaching programme offered by Star, which significantly strengthened my teaching practice.

Star also supported me – while still an ECT – to set up and manage the Duke of Edinburgh Award at [Employer hidden]. This was a major step in my development and demonstrated the confidence that the school places in its early career teachers. As part of this role, the school supported me to take part in a range of Duke of Edinburgh training courses such as the Lowland Leader qualification, enabling me to safely lead expeditions and further enhance the experiences available to our pupils.

I was also encouraged to complete a fully-funded National Professional Qualification for Leading Literacy (NPQLL) to prepare me for future leadership positions. Most recently, I have been entrusted with leading pupil experience and enrichment across the school, which is an exciting and significant progression opportunity that reflects the support I have received throughout my time with Star.

What ongoing support do you receive from the trust and school leaders in your current role?

Star Academies and [Employer hidden] offer a robust and well-structured support system. One of the key aspects of this support is our weekly Faculty Development meetings, which allow us to collaborate, share best practice and engage in purposeful development. Access to centrally-curated resources also significantly reduces planning demands, helping staff focus more on high-quality delivery and pupil progress.

At Bay, we also benefit from shared weekly teaching and learning goals, supported by regular practice clinics. These sessions give staff the opportunity to rehearse key strategies together, ensuring we are all aligned and working towards the same priorities. As an instructional coach, I’m now putting my own leadership skills to the test by holding fortnightly coaching meetings with colleagues to practise and refine these weekly goals. It’s a real full-circle moment for me – the mentoring I benefitted from in my early career is now something I can offer to others, helping to strengthen teaching and contribute to whole-school improvement.

What would you say to someone exploring a potential career with Star?

My experience has been incredibly positive. The trust genuinely values its staff, and you will be fully supported by your colleagues and leaders. From exceptional support and professional development opportunities to the chance to make a real difference in the lives of disadvantaged pupils, it is truly a rewarding and inspiring place to work.