The former pupils inspired to return as teachers

From left to right: Loui Charlesworth, Ryan Bray, Sam Jordan, and Amber Deaves were all pupils at Martin High School

A teacher who now works at the same school he attended as a child said he "always knew" he wanted to return.

Geography teacher Sam Jordan, 28, is one of four members of staff who were also pupils at Martin High School in Anstey, Leicestershire, who the school are celebrating as their "boomerang teachers".

He is joined by Loui Charlesworth, a PE technician teacher, English teacher Ryan Bray and Amber Deaves, a learning support assistant (LSA).

Mr Jordan said he had "such a great time" at the school as a student and despite working at another school after completing his training, he "always knew" he "wanted to be back here".

Mr Charlesworth, Mr Bray, Mr Jordan and Mrs Deaves as pupils

He said as soon as a job came up at the secondary school, in Link Road, he applied for it and added every day since being back there was "brilliant".

"It's been great to reconnect with some people that I knew from when I was here as a child," Mr Jordan added.

Mr Charlesworth, 25, said he was now in a staff room with teachers who had taught him.

"Luckily for me I was quite a well-behaved kid, that's what I would say anyway.

"There were a few teachers who I might not have liked back in the day, just because I thought they're a bit strict or a bit harsh, but then since working here you see a completely different side and the work they put in to make sure the kids get the best experiences is unbelievable," he said.

Mr Bray, 29, who also works as a special needs coordinator, said: "It's my first year at the school and I'm friends with Mr Jordan outside of school. [We] just looked at each other and thought, 'how have we ended up here?'"

Mrs Deaves, 21, said she had had "a few setbacks" in her life.

"I ended up having children a lot earlier than I expected to," she said.

"I ended up training again after that and pushing further, going to university and then coming back here."

Mrs Deaves has said she encourages the pupils to "be the best that they can be".

"I adored my time at Martin High and created so many treasured memories," she said.

"My love for school inspired me to become an LSA, where I am able to help young learners reach their full potential, build their confidence, and discover meaningful experiences that will last them a lifetime."

The school's associate principal, Nina Smith, added: "It is incredibly special to see familiar pupils return to our school as teachers. They know our community, our values and culture.

"Now they are helping to shape the next generation. It is a real testament to the strength of our school that they have chosen to come back and give back."