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It was a humbling moment to welcome Tijhs Jordan back to Hampton High, where he once worked as a Cover Supervisor and LSA — and a place where his wife also came as a student. He spoke with our Year 10 students, sharing a story that was honest, inspiring, and full of lessons we can all take to heart.

"My name is Tijhs Jordan, I know, it’s a strange name. But I’ve always said it makes me memorable. The question has always been: what am I going to be remembered for? Something negative… or something I’m proud of?"

Tijhs spoke openly about struggling at school — sitting Year 6 SATs in a small group, failing multiple GCSEs, needing night school to pass Science, and being tutored in Maths by his wife.

"If you’re sitting there thinking, 'This is hard,' 'I’m not good at this,' or 'What’s the point?' — I get it. I was you."

But he never let where he was decide where he was going. At eight, he decided to be a teacher, inspired by his sister. Every challenge was a call to push harder. Every opportunity was treated like it mattered — because it does.

He reminded students that struggle is part of success: it’s not a sign you can’t do it, but part of learning how to do it. Too many give up just before they would have improved; too many think, “If I’m not good at it straight away, it’s not for me.” That’s not how it works.

Tijhs shared how that mindset shaped his career. When he became headteacher of Marnel Junior School, the school was judged inadequate by Ofsted. Out of 288 inadequate schools inspected in 2024, only one went to Outstanding — Marnel. Imagine if he had given up when it got hard. Those children wouldn’t have the opportunities they have today.

He reminded students that this is where habits are formed, where effort starts to count, and where they decide: Am I going to push myself, or am I going to settle?

Tijhs journey through education — from Dinner Lady, LSA, Cover Supervisor, HLTA, Class Teacher, Phase Leader, Year Leader, Assistant Head,
Deputy Head, to Headteacher — shows that none of it came from talent alone. It came from consistency, showing up, and making good decisions when it mattered.

After his talk, the moment that truly brought his message to life: several students approached Tijhs, proud and curious, asking if he remembered them from their primary school days where he had also once worked. A simple but powerful reminder that the world is much smaller than we imagine, and every encounter is a chance to build something for tomorrow.

Wishing Tijhs all the best for a journey that keeps on growing and giving — we can’t wait to see where his vision ripples to next.