Our CEO and founder Paul Rowlett became a TV sensation last year when he starred in the first episode of a four-part documentary called “The Secret Teacher”.
Posing as a support teacher, Paul must tackle the nerves that come with stepping into a classroom full of potentially testing teenagers while trying to come across as a believable support teacher. All the while, he is identifying which students he wants to help before revealing his identity in a finale that will be life-changing for the schoolchildren chosen. Apart from three members of staff, none of the students or staff had any idea that Paul is one of Britain’s leading entrepreneurs.
During his time at Haileybury Turnford School Paul found similarities in himself and a young lad called Loui. Talking of his personal experience of his earlier days Paul stated: “My school days weren’t happy ones. I came from a broken home and I wasn’t academic.”
When he finally revealed his identity to Loui and Courtney, the two students he chose to help, in a moving finale, it brought a tear to the eye and melted even the coldest of hearts watching on TV.
He also spoke about the support and development of the two students as an ongoing and long-term process. Paul revealed that Loui became a big part of the EverythingBranded team. “We’re getting him involved,” Paul said. “If you’ve got the ability and passion, why not fast-track?” By working alongside Paul and the experienced and talented team he has assembled at the company, the young entrepreneur was able to learn, develop and thrive.
It seems the young protégé could soon be the proud owner of a new set of wheels, too. “We’re going to get him mobile,” Paul said. “We’re going to sort him out with a new car as soon as he’s old enough to drive.”
Courtney, a gifted and hard-working student who was lacking in confidence, is doing equally well. Since The Secret Teacher, she has grown in confidence and been offered some great opportunities, both through the school and Paul’s network. “Thank you to those people who have offered her opportunities – you know who you are.” he said.
Paul once again praised the teaching and support staff at Haileybury Turnford School. “You’ve got teachers in the school who get promotions but aren’t getting pay rises. This is where the education system fails. They forget how important teachers are.” He went on to say how his time in the school opened his eyes to the situation, and how shocked he was by the lack of funding and resources.
Paul is still supporting the school’s business department, after donating £30,000 and a further £10,000 split across the two students. Some students were invited to watch Tottenham take on Leicester City in the Premier League this season from the VIP viewing box Paul holds at the stadium.
