A newly qualified science teacher has landed her dream job, back at the school where she was once a student.

Jessica Carr-Taylor, 24, spent her entire time in secondary education at Wellington Academy, in Tidworth, and took biology, economics and maths at A-level.

“Sixth form was a really positive experience for me,” said Jessica.

“There were small class sizes, I always had really great feedback, and my teachers were very supportive. I went off to Bath Spa university in 2014 and got an upper second degree in biology, and then went on to do an MSc in equine studies before completing graduate teacher training at the University of Southampton.

“I was lucky enough to do a training placement at my old school, and I just loved it. Wellington Academy’s building is just fantastic, and the standard of knowledge among the teachers is so high, that when a job came up in the Science Department I was really keen to get it.”

Jessica had lived in Upper Chute, near Ludgershall, when she attended the school but has since moved to Lyneham in North Wiltshire.

Despite the commute, she was very keen to return to her old school and was delighted to learn she had been successful. She joins the school as a science teacher in September, but has been working at the school recently to support the delivery of lessons and supervision of children of key workers.

“My biology teacher, Margrethe Burton, is now my mentor, which is lovely,” Jessica said. “And my old economics teacher, David Bissington, is now head of Sixth Form.

“I am really looking forward to September when I can meet a lot more of my new colleagues. I feel very lucky to be able to do this.”

Robert Wood, senior deputy headteacher at Wellington Academy, said they are very pleased to be welcoming Jessica back.

“She was always an excellent student and very popular with staff and students alike, and it’s very rewarding to see her begin carving out what I know will be a very successful career,” he said.

“It’s also the best vote of thanks that we could have as a school – she loves us so much, she couldn’t bear to leave!”