The 17th of December 1999, nothing more than an ordinary school day close to the Christmas break. But to my family, it was a devastating moment. That morning a letter dropped on to the doormat informing us that I would not be attending Emmanuel College for my secondary education. Places at Emmanuel, one of the original city technology colleges, were the most coveted in Gateshead. It’s easy to see why: a school with no fees offering a top-notch education. It was such a successful venture that it inspired Andrew Adonis to start the academies programme during his time as schools minister.
Five years later, the Paynes were waiting for another communiqué on the future of my education. This time it was from a small private school across the river in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Thankfully, it was good news. The sixth form at Dame Allan’s Schools accepted my application and I waved goodbye to the state sector.
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