Melbourn Village College English teacher Tom Jackson has returned to his former school following a successful career as a Formula One journalist.
A former head boy at the school, Tom achieved his childhood dream of reporting on the F1 racing circuit, before his life came full circle and he returned as a trainee teacher.
Tom said he had "fond memories" of his time at MVC, which is now part of The Cam Academy Trust.
"Melbourn Village College has played a huge role in my life," he said.
"From arriving as a bright-eyed, fresh-faced student 13 years ago, it gave me the skills and the confidence I needed to go and chase my childhood goal of becoming a Formula One journalist.
"The journey to that goal started at MVC and I was very fortunate to have achieved it just four years after leaving the school.
"Finding myself wandering through the F1 paddock, interviewing the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, was a very surreal experience.
"I couldn’t believe I was chasing the fastest sport on the planet across Europe, reporting on every twist and turn along the way."
Following a stint working in motorsport management, marketing and PR, Tom decided to try something different and train as a teacher.
He returned to MVC in September last year, joining the Student Support Centre as a teaching assistant.
Tom said: "Coming back to MVC after eight years away took some getting used to.
"A year later and I’m delighted to be completing my teacher training at the school. Formula One may be fast but it certainly doesn't keep pace with a day in school.
"No two days are the same, but each day is equally fulfilling and rewarding as I get to teach and inspire Melbourn’s new generation of brilliant young minds in the same way I was inspired during my tenure here."
Since his return, Tom has also had the opportunity to put his Formula One experience to good use.
He said: "Putting my own stamp on life at MVC, I relish the opportunity to lead our sports journalism club as one of our many extra-curricular activities at the school.
"It’s great to see students share the passion for sports and writing and I’m very grateful to share my knowledge and expertise with them as we write our own sports stories and reports.
"There is a pleasing circularity to it all. Coming to school every day and working with our young people, helping them to grow in confidence as they navigate the world of learning and growing up, is a real privilege and has vindicated my decision to return to the school.
"There really is no place like MVC."
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Executive headteacher Chris Bennet added: "We have been thrilled to welcome back Tom to Melbourn Village College.
"His journey from student and former head boy to international motorsport success and back to the classroom is truly inspiring.
"We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on our students."
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