Progress People: Karl Stott

Musical maestro turned teacher, Karl Stott, embodies everything Alternative Provision supports. Karl’s passion for music has given him a different outlook whilst supporting young people with additional needs.

His journey into teaching had many twists and turns. After dropping out of university, he fell into an accountancy apprenticeship but later returned to education at Edge Hill University and qualified as a primary school teacher in 2015 after realising that his future wasn’t as an Accountant. Before joining Progress Schools, Karl worked in a number of primary schools in more socio-economically deprived areas. This was the catalyst for his interest in inclusive education, as Karl shared,

“I hated seeing students out of class and missing out on a quality education.”

In September 2020, Karl started studying for a qualification in SEND and Inclusive Education, and he obtained a PGDip from Manchester Metropolitan University. He worked part time and as a supply teacher throughout schools in Lancashire, until being offered a supply post at Progress Schools Lilford in 2023.

“My first week was a baptism of fire, as Ofsted turned up on my third day and the Year 11’s thought I worked for the police as I had turned up in shirt and tie. I managed to get them all through their GCSEs with lots of coaxing and persuasion. It was tough but I weirdly enjoyed it and decided to stay!”

Karl transferred over to Progress Schools Wigan in January this year, where he is currently the maths teacher for the school as well as an exam officer. Through this role, he helps to prepare students and the school for GCSE examinations.

On top of his already busy schedule, Karl is responsible for enrichment activities where he supports the students as they gain various life skills and can share his love of music with them. Karl hopes to one day be able to use the Wigan Youth Zone’s music studio to inspire the students to get into performing and recording.

When asked about what it is like to work for Progress Schools, Karl opened up about the victories and challenges that come with working in an Alternative Provision, suggesting Progress Schools as a great way to get involved for any teachers or teaching assistants who have an interest in this area. His advice to them being,

“Every school is very different. You must have an open mind and get rid of any preconceptions before you enter an alternative provision setting.  After my first day at Lilford I was seriously considering not going back, but by the end of the week I loved it!”

Outside of work, Karl has a full list of extra-curricular activities that he is involved in. With a flare for music, he’s played the trumpet and cornet in various bands and orchestras since he was 9 years old. Throughout his 36 years of playing, Karl has performed at lots of prestigious venues and events all over the UK and Europe.

His lifelong passion for music has been a guiding force throughout his life. Whilst dealing with some personal issues, Karl used his love of music as a support. Deciding to take a step back from teaching, he worked as part of the Senior Leadership Team in charge of ensembles and curriculum development in a music service for schools. However, due to the Pandemic, Karl returned to his old school as a supply teacher, as schools weren’t prioritising music at the time.

This inspired one of Karl’s lifelong goals that music be taught more widespread in all schools. He discussed the unifying power of music and how it brings people together. You’ll only ever see Karl sporting a musical tie as he feels it provides an easy icebreaker when he meets new students. The topic of music allows them to relax and provides them with questions to ask. He said,

“I think it provides an outlet for some students that may struggle with communication or regulation. Imagine being so angry but being allowed to smack a drum kit as hard as you wanted? Or learning to play a riff on bass guitar within 10 minutes of picking the instrument up?”

Karl funnelled this passion into his role at Progress Schools and managed to procure a number of instruments to share with the students at Progress Schools Lilford. He discussed the positive impact it had on the students,

“The impact it had on the students was fantastic, and I had students asking to spend time in the “music room” with me.”

Karl’s journey to Progress Schools demonstrates how career paths are not linear. Armed with his passion for music, Karl exemplifies how a ‘hobby’ can shape your life and be incorporated into your day to day. His ability to use music to support students demonstrates how versatile education is, and we appreciate Karl’s continued enthusiasm and the creativity he brings when teaching.