Using classroom experience to inform policy

Midway through his time on the Training Programme, Patrick Curry was offered a civil service role, which he took up upon completing his teacher training. 

I loved the buzz of teaching a class, but when I was offered the civil service role I saw it as a good opportunity to see things from a different perspective.  

Since joining the civil service I’ve worked in numerous roles across the Treasury, Downing Street and, now, the Department for Education where I’m Deputy Director of the Education Funding Group. My experience in the classroom – and as a school governor – has been really valuable throughout, providing me with motivation and perspective of what you’re trying to achieve and helping teachers to do the best possible job.  

I’m part of the Department for Education’s internal ‘teachers’ network’ along with other former Teach First teachers, which acts as a sounding board for the policy team when they want insights from those who’ve worked on the ground.

My experience ... has been really valuable ... providing me with motivation and perspective ... helping teachers to do the best possible job.