Meet the Teacher: Mr Will the GB Age Group Triathlete

Meet the Teacher: Mr Will the GB Age Group Triathlete Mr Will joins our team of Primary Teachers as a Classroom Teacher for Year 4. Mr Will has a fascinating background in education, sport and coaching. With an array of teaching and coaching experiences in the UK, USA, South Africa and China.

Mr Will joins our team of Primary Teachers as a Classroom Teacher for Year 4. Mr Will has an expansive background in education, sport and coaching. With an array of teaching and coaching experiences in the UK, USA and South Africa

Journey to St Andrews

I completed a Bachelor of Science in Sports Studies at Glamorgan University, South Wales, focusing on Sport Science and Coaching. Following three years in Cardiff, I knew I wanted to become a teacher, so I went to Edge Hill University, close to Liverpool to complete my Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education. At Edge Hill, I had the opportunity to gain experience working with all ages of children in various educational settings. 

I have been teaching since 2014, and I have been fortunate enough to teach in some outstanding schools in England and the United States of America. I taught in England for 3 years where I was lucky enough to teach in an excellent boarding school in West Yorkshire. I gained experience in a range of year groups including Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5, as well as coaching senior school sport and working in the senior boarding house. In an exciting move, I left England to go and work at the Number 1 Magnet School in America (2016). I taught at this Creative Arts & Science Magnet School for 3 years and, as my time there ended, I knew I wanted to continue teaching abroad. After holidaying in Thailand several years before, I knew that my next move must be to Bangkok!

I have also gained experience working in broader areas of education, such as coaching sport and life skills to school children in the townships of Port Elizabeth, South Africa and teaching English and sport to children from all over the world in English summer camps.

Outside of the Classroom 

I truly love my career, and I couldn't be happier than teaching. Unbeknownst to many, after leaving school, I became a semi-professional rugby player for Fylde RFC. Unfortunately, injury brought a halt to my playing career, so this caused me to look for a new sport. I quickly developed a love of competing in various endurance events such as Ironman triathlons, marathons, and ultramarathons worldwide. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to race for Great Britain in the Age Group squads at the European Middle Distance Triathlon Championships in 2016, the 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championships and the USA National Championships in 2019. I have also competed in many endurance events, with the highlights being cycling from coast to coast of England in a day, cycling from the Blackpool Tower to the Eiffel Tower and a 53-mile ultramarathon in Scotland. These events allow me to travel to wonderful destinations, meet new people and experience different cultures. I cannot wait to participate in some events in Thailand and the rest of Asia.

Thoughts on St Andrews

St Andrews is a highly welcoming educational environment where the staff are genuinely dedicated to delivering the highest education. Children of all abilities can learn in a safe, encouraging and engaging environment.

Aspirations for STA 

Whilst at STA I am looking forward to helping with the biathlon, triathlon and touch rugby events!

Fun Fact 

I am scared of spiders, and I have completed the highest bungee jump from a bridge in the world!