Teacher, 27, who was expelled for fighting aged 15 then nearly took own life is now hoping to become head of special needs school 12 years later
- Kierran Pearce, of Colchester, will complete five marathon length walks in week
- 27-year-old teacher is trekking to all 18 special needs schools in Essex for charity
- He has now set his sights on becoming headteacher of a special needs school
- It’s a remarkable turnaround after he was excluded from school for fighting at 15
Kierran Pearce is tomorrow due to complete five marathon length walks in a week
When Kierran Pearce was excluded from school for fighting aged 15 with no prospect of passing any exams, he cut his wrists and walked aimlessly towards the local reservoir where he collapsed.
Luckily for him he was found unconscious by his father and the police. At that moment the idea that he might hold down a job of any sort seemed far-fetched.
Today, aged 27, Kierran has set his sights on becoming the headteacher of a special needs school. And few would bet against him achieving his dream.
He is unrecognisable from the scrawny sporty lad who got into endless scraps at school, suffered panic attacks and had no idea where his life was going.
Since then he has obtained an Open University degree a year ahead of schedule and become a fully qualified teacher at Market Field special needs school in Elmstead Market, Essex.
Such is Kierran’s passion for his profession that he is tomorrow due to complete five marathon length walks in a week that has seen him trek to all 18 special needs schools in Essex.
His aim is to raise awareness of and understanding of children with special educational needs and mental health difficulties.
Kierran believes that his own background helps him to relate to some of the children. ‘When I was at school I got excluded more than once for silly stuff, mainly fighting,’ he says.
Kierran has obtained an Open University degree a year ahead of schedule and become a fully qualified teacher at Market Field special needs school in Elmstead Market, Essex
‘I struggled with anger, wasn’t doing much in lessons and more or less had a breakdown. It wasn’t my parents’ fault, mainly usual teenage issues.
‘It came to a head when a pal was attacked and I got into a fight to defend him. It was stupid and I was excluded again.’
After anger management counselling Kieran kept out of trouble in his final year at Colne Comprehensive in Colchester and got five GCSEs.
After leaving at 16 he saw an advert for a post as a sports assistant at Market Field School in his village of Elmstead Market. He applied successfully and has never looked back.
He says: ‘I love the job. My own difficulties has made it easier to help boys in danger of going down the same wrong path as me.’
Kierran has been moved by the warm welcome he has received at the schools he has visited this week. ‘I have met so many talented, kind and gritty children.’
Market Field head teacher Gary Smith said: ‘I asked Kierran a while back what his ambition was. He said cheekily ‘I want your job like yours Sir.’ If he maintains his incredible progress he could do it.’
You can donate to Kierran’s fundraising efforts by clicking here