Today we were delighted to welcome TJ Juttla, Managing Director of Lotus Recruitment, to William Ford C of E Junior School for an inspiring and memorable careers visit.

What made TJ's visit particularly meaningful was that he grew up just ten minutes from our school in Goodmayes. He knows this area, and he knows this community. He came back to speak honestly to our children about his journey and to show them that where you begin does not limit where you can end up.

TJ spoke about his work at Lotus Recruitment, helping schools find the right teachers and teaching assistants to support children. But it was his honesty about his own experience that really captured the children's attention.

TJ has ADHD. For many years, he did not fully understand why some things felt harder for him than they seemed to for others. Over time, he came to see this not as a barrier but as a source of real strength. The energy, drive, passion, resilience and ability to think differently that come with it have shaped who he is and what he has built.

His message to our pupils was straightforward and powerful: just because something feels difficult does not mean you cannot go on to do something amazing.

TJ also joined our student radio team, where pupils asked him thoughtful and impressive questions about what inspired him to start his own business, the challenges he has faced and the lessons he has picked up along the way.

Visits like this are a vital part of our work at William Ford to raise aspirations and broaden horizons for every child. We are very grateful to TJ for giving his time so generously and for speaking with such openness and warmth.