Class act...how single mum rose from dinner lady to headmistress
Mrs Brotherton finally gained her teaching qualification before rejoining Swan Lane first school in Evesham, Worcestershire – where she had served meals – as a trainee teacher.
She then joined Thomas Jolyffe school in Stratford-upon-Avon, rising to become assistant headteacher.
Her journey to the summit was complete when she was appointed headteacher at Flyford Flavell first school in Worcester in September last year, nine years after first qualifying.
Mrs Brotherton, whose sons are Alexander, 28, George, 25, and Sebastian, 21, said her struggles made her realise how vital it was for children to get a good start in life.
She said: “It really surprised me because when I started the journey I was never career-minded but I was working in school and I wanted to be able to effect change.
“The higher I went the more I felt I could make things better for children. I didn’t have a very good education and didn’t enjoy school. I came from a single-parent family and there weren’t many opportunities when I left school at 16 with a few CSEs.
“I think that helped me to make sure that children love learning.”
Two years ago, watchdog Ofsted said her school, which has 79 pupils aged five to nine, “needs improvement”. But is now rated as “good”.
Mrs Brotherton said: “I understand the stresses and strains of each role.
“When you are a dinner lady you are seeing the children at a social time when they need to let off steam.
“There is more stress as a headteacher but it is just as enjoyable. As a dinner lady you can form strong relationships.
“As a head I must work hard to make sure I don’t shut myself in the office and disengage with the children. You have to walk around the playground and be available to them.”