Once I’d completed the installation of the window vinyls, I wandered through to see Liz, the headteacher, to let her know the job was complete and to see if she’d be open to a discussion in the new year about my bubbling thoughts.

With a small (but powerful!) presentation under my arm, focussed on the value of the narrative in a school environment, we discussed the merits of adopting a peer-to-peer recognition process – based on my experience in grassroots football of ‘The Players’ Player of the Year’ award. It’s the one that means the most.

What if we cultivated this process in school, aligned with the engaging language of Secretly Famous? A way to harness kindness and reveal potential.

In a world absorbed in celebrity status, addicted to social media and growing accustomed to instant gratification (and the negative energy it breeds), we believed Secretly Famous was something worth aspiring to.

We did not anticipate the incredible outpouring of kindness, compassion and gratitude that followed. Heartfelt nominations came flooding in, and to our surprise, children felt compelled to recognise teaching and support staff too – which has brought the whole school community together, with frequent reports of an enhanced sense of belonging.

After Liz gave me her support to get things off the ground, more inspirational leaders joined throughout 2024 - who were brave enough to embrace something new, because they believe what we believe; the role of a leader is to create more leaders.