Craig Sadler

Craig came to Northease Manor School at the start of year 10 of his schooling as his own school had closed down. Craig was reluctant to leave his previous friends and the familiar environment but was looking forward to receiving more support for his dyslexia.

image In the early days at Northease, Craig would be the first to admit that he was stubborn, and would frequently be unwilling to try unfamiliar tasks - especially if it meant using computers! However, despite all his difficulties, Craig had a dream - he desperately wanted to be a policeman.

As time went by, he settled in well at Northease, and as he entered year 11 his attitude had completely changed. He now showed great determination and persevered with things that he once would have thought of as impossible to achieve. Teachers were impressed by his attitude and progress.

Craig left Northease after his GCSE exams in June 1999. At his careers interview, prior to leaving, he had been advised to have a back-up plan, incase he was unable to get into the Police Force which sadly was the case.

However, Craig would not give up on his dream! First, he took a part-time job at Tesco whilst he undertook a further education course - BTec 1st Diploma in Public Services. He passed this course with a Merit in Summer 2000.

Craig continued as a member of the Police Cadets and returned to Tesco’s to take up a post as a Security Officer. He then undertook a GNVQ 1st Diploma in Computing.

Just one year after completing his college course in June 2001, Craig succeeded in convincing a panel of three - during a stiff interview - that he was a suitable candidate for the Metropolitan Police.

For Craig, this was his ultimate goal. He joined the four-month training course at Hendon, and although the going was very tough, again he succeeded through sheer perseverance and commitment.

At the age of 19, Craig has achieved his ambition of being able to pursue his first choice of career. “It is even better than I dreamed of,” he said.

Craig is now engaged to be married and has his own flat in Enfield and is a PC in Kingston.  He recently came back to Northease to share with staff and pupils how his life had changed since leaving. His story was a great inspiration for all those who were privileged to hear it.

Craig Foord

Heather Reid

Hannah Swan

Hannah Fletcher