Neil Morris

The question I get asked most often is, “How did you become Headteacher of Christopher Whitehead Language College, an 11-18 Worcester city school?” I like to think this is not a question of surprise but of interest.

My answer always harks back to October 1990, when I broke my leg in a league match with Old Yardleians – see match report and photograph. The picture shows fabulous coach Ashley Jones, brother of Welsh International Lyn, sometimes centre Dr David Allen and superb Worcester stalwart Jon Wotton. Their concern was correct and more sympathetic than Nick Hodgetts’ who tried to take my new boots, recognising I would not need them. I was in full length plaster for seven months and never regained my renowned pace, drifting around the squad until 1994.

My wife recognised this invalidity was going to be frustrating for all and I was swiftly enrolled on two courses, which I completed:

• A Netball Umpire course – not easy on crutches!
• A Masters in Educational Management.

I think it is fair to state that the masters course was successful and the start of my career progression to headship. My career as a netball umpire was rightly short-lived.

Neil S Morris
Headteacher