Graham Philips
At 43, Graham Philips has already had a successful two-decade career in IT, specialising in databases and analytics. But a growing sense of purpose led him to make a bold career change – stepping out of the corporate world and into the classroom.
Now training as a mathematics teacher through Ormiston Teacher Training (OTT), Graham is focused on using his passion for the subject to open doors for young people across the Ormiston Academy Trust.
Graham’s decision to pursue teaching didn’t come overnight. As a father of five, he had long been engaged with education on a personal level. But over the years, he saw too many young people being held back from career opportunities simply because they didn’t have the GCSE’s they needed in core subjects like english and maths. Determined to be part of the solution, he began to explore a future in education.
Finding the Right Fit with OTT
When Graham began researching teacher training providers, he discovered Ormiston Victory Academy in Norwich – part of the Ormiston Academies Trust. It quickly became clear that this was more than just a school: it was part of a values-driven organisation committed to equity, quality education, and ensuring no learner is left behind.
He chose the PGCE route through Ormiston Teacher Training, drawn in by the programme’s strong academic foundation and its focus on how students learn. As someone already fascinated by cognitive science, he was excited by the opportunity to dig deeper into the psychology behind effective teaching.
The training programme, he says, has more than lived up to expectations. The support from tutors has been exceptional, offering both academic guidance and personal encouragement. The structure of the course, access to high-quality curriculum resources, and subject-specific training days led by expert practitioners all combine to give trainees the best possible foundation for success.
Preparing for the Classroom
Even before the course began, Graham had immersed himself in preparation, reading widely on teaching techniques, cognitive load theory, behaviour management, and numeracy. His approach reflects the OTT programme’s emphasis on evidence-based teaching and personalised learning strategies.
He’s particularly focused on adapting lesson content for different levels of prior knowledge, ensuring every student, regardless of background, can access the subject and progress with confidence.
Graham’s enthusiasm for numeracy is infectious. He sees the subject not as a series of complicated equations, but as a tool that shapes the world around us and a vital life skill for every young person. Now in training, he’s already seeing the rewards of his new career. He finds joy in the “lightbulb moments” when a student suddenly grasps a concept that previously felt out of reach, or when their confidence grows to the point that they begin asking deeper, more exploratory questions. It’s moments like these that confirm to Graham he made the right decision.
Looking Ahead
Graham has a clear vision for the future. In the short term, he’s focused on becoming a confident, effective classroom teacher who consistently improves student outcomes in mathematics. Longer-term, he aspires to take on a Head of Department role, where he can contribute to curriculum design and help shape an impactful learning journey for pupils from Key Stage 3 through to GCSE.
He’s also excited about being part of a professional community where colleagues share a common goal: helping young people succeed.
“The tutors couldn’t be more helpful, including meeting personal needs as well as academic ones. The curriculum organisation and resources are also amazing.”
Why Choose Ormiston Teacher Training?
For anyone considering teaching, Graham has a clear message: if you want to make a difference and be part of a supportive, values-led organisation, Ormiston Teacher Training is the place to start.
The programme offers far more than just a qualification…it provides a springboard into a lifelong career where trainees are nurtured, challenged, and empowered to grow. With expert-led training, tailored support, and the backing of a national trust with a strong track record – it’s a route into teaching that’s as ambitious as the trainees it supports.
If you’re looking to start a meaningful career in education and want to train in an environment where passion meets purpose, apply now for the 2026 Ormiston Teacher Training cohort. Join deep thinkers, dedicated educators and change-makers in training to become the next generation of teachers.
Shape lives. Shape your future. Teach with Ormiston.