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News | 22 May 2024

Who is Chris Bradley?

It's time to get to know all the teachers and staff who will meet the students at IES Norrtälje in the autumn! Next up is the Assistant Principal Chris Bradley, who has studied law and knows how to play rugby.

What did you do before you started at IES Norrtälje?
I've spent the past 11 years at IES Täby and the last 3.5 years as Assistant Principal. Before my time at IES, I studied law at university in the UK before moving to Sweden in 2010 to play rugby.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The students and staff. The students because no two days will ever be the same – there is always something new and exciting happening, which means we absolutely avoid the average 9-5 feeling. Staff because we recruit the best professionals from around the world and that broad educational experience mixes together to create a very rewarding environment to work in.

What are you most looking forward to when the school has opened?
Welcoming new staff and students and beginning to lay the foundations for what IES Norrtälje will stand for. We are lucky enough to be given a truly fantastic canvas to work from – the school building and playground will be state-of-the-art!

Which one is your favourite song right now?
Although I am "only" 36 I feel like I am comfortably slipping into middle age and that extends to my music. Right now a few popular songs are George Michael – Careless Whisper, David Bowie – Starman, and Modern Talking – Cheri Cheri Lady.

Do you have any pets?
Yes, although not nearly as many as Mrs Bradley wishes to have. We currently have two cats and two guinea pigs.

Tell something about yourself not many people know.
I have been lucky enough to represent two countries at rugby: England u16 as well as Sweden Men's team.

What was your favourite subject in school?
History.

Do you have any dreams for the future?
Always! And we will endeavour to instill the power of planning for the future within our students. Aspirations are what push us forward!

What do you do outside of work?
Spending time with my wife and children. We are expecting number 3 in July.

How do you get the students interested in learning new things?
Hooks are so important in education. Showing real-world applications for what they are learning about makes education relevant and peaks their interest.

What is your favourite memory with your students?
I believe adversity forces people to grow, and one of my proudest memories of both staff and students resulted from a tragic situation we experienced in Täby a few years ago, where a member of the school passed away. At the time it provided the opportunity for all members of the community to come together to grieve and the sincerity displayed by the students in their appreciation for the life of this person is something that will live on with me.