Head teacher Jamieson prepares to bow out

By Emma Bartley and Sam Carroll

In 1972, the film Godfather was released for the first time. The pocket calculator was invented, and Liam Gallagher, lead singer of the hit nineties band Oasis, was born in Manchester. In Walton, however, Mr Jamieson made his debut as a P.E teacher in Alsop High School, which, at the time, was an all-boy’s school.

Nearly thirty years later, and Mr Jamieson is still at Alsop High School. He admits it is unusual, but praised the promotional opportunities which were made available to him while he was a young teacher at the school. However, during the upcoming Christmas half-term, Mr Jamieson is standing down from his post as head teacher at one of the most successful schools in the city.

‘It has been a privilege to be head teacher. The school is the best of its kind in Merseyside. There is a large choice of academic and vocational courses offered here which means all young people who attend the school can be successful. There has been a tremendous amount of achievement over the past decade, with grades improving year after year, and more students going on to university,’ Jamieson said proudly.

The new head teacher, appointed recently, is Mr Mangan. Another former P.E teacher, Jamieson said he can see a little of himself in his successor. Jamieson’s advice is to Mr Mangan is to be fair to everyone, and treat everyone as an equal. Mr Mangan, who has worked in several schools, said: ‘Alsop is by far the best school I have worked in.’

When the new school building was completed midway through 2010, the decision was made to name it after Mr Jamieson, in honour of his fantastic contribution to the school. ‘It was a big surprise,’ Jamieson admits. ‘It was a lovely thought from governors and staff. However, it is embarrassing to see my name on the building every time I park my car in the morning!’

Mr Jamieson spoke kindly of all the staff he has worked with, past and present, saying ‘I am lucky to have worked with such great teachers. There is a nice atmosphere in the school between students and staff at the moment, which makes me believe it is a good time to hand over the reins to younger people, who can stay at the school for at least the next twenty years.’

When questioned on how the school has achieved such remarkable success while he has been at the helm, he responded with bashful reply, ‘It is not a one-man job. The team ethic we have between staff, students and parents here is what has given this school such success.’

So what is next for one of Alsop’s favourite head teacher? ‘I’ll be doing a little bit of work for the local authority, and then I’m going to help out the National College of School Leadership for a while. Apart from that, I have been lucky to have seen a lot of places, so I want to do some more travelling,’ he said. ‘I also have a season ticket at Liverpool Football Club...and I’ll play some golf!’ He summarised by saying: ‘The time is yours. I am lucky to still be fit and healthy, so I have to make the most of the next few years.’

Jamieson ended the interview with a few touching words which will hopefully resonate with everyone. ‘Although it is the end of my time here, it is just the start of Alsop, with the new buildings and landscaping. I am going out at the top, with the recent record breaking A-Level and GCSE results and the fantastic OFSTED report we have been given. I am sad, but I hope I can keep in touch with a lot of staff here- and students. I will be the first to be looking out for exam results, and to see how well all our former students are doing.’