Gregory Logan

The headteacher of Daubeney Primary School talks about improving outcomes for Black children and why representation matters

Gregory Logan, Headteacher of Daubeney Primary School. 

“Teaching chose me, I didn’t choose teaching. Teaching was my first profession but second career,” explains Gregory Logan, Headteacher of Daubeney Primary School. 

Before Gregory became a teacher, he says: “I did blue collar jobs, like warehouse jobs – picking and packing – and I worked at Parcelforce as a driver. 

“I left school with no qualifications. My secondary school report said, ‘How does Gregory see his future? One of relative failure.’”

Yet, just 13 years after giving up his job at Parcelforce, Gregory got a degree, embarked on his teaching journey and became a headteacher, while looking after his family. 

He recalls: “While I was working as a learning support assistant, I supplemented my income by working on weekends and I was studying in the evenings. It was heavy but I persevered.”

In early 2025, Gregory was awarded a citation of honour by Janet Obiri-Yeboah, the Principal of Deacons Academy Foundation School of Excellence in Accra, Ghana.

The honour was for his mentoring support, donations of school equipment and a pen pal project between the two schools.

Gregory explains: “One of our sister schools had to close due to falling pupil numbers and, out of that grey cloud, a silver lining came as some resources were given to other primary schools.

“We were able to coordinate with Janet so that someone could collect those resources and ship them out to Ghana. 

“The potential now exists for a teacher exchange or pupil exchange. I’d love to have some of our pupils here to have the opportunity to visit Ghana.”

Watch the video of Gregory Logan explaining why he set up ‘It Takes a Village’

Gregory has always been passionate about representation. He says: “I grew up in a single parent household on free school meals. I think people expected less of me because of my circumstances. 

“Where I grew up in Brent, in the late 1970s and early 80s, it was described as the most diverse constituency in Europe. But I didn’t have Black teachers in primary school. 

“If you see it, it’s easier to imagine it. It’s harder for some individuals to break out without having a pioneer.”

Three years into his role as headteacher, Gregory set up the hugely successful ‘It Takes a Village’ initiative to improve outcomes for Black children at Daubeney.

He explains: “I wanted to challenge the racist biases that occur even within a liberal borough like Hackney. 

“We need to address this and allow people to share their stories about how they overcame their challenges.”

Past speakers to the yearly celebratory event have included Diane Abbott MP, boxers James Cook and Michael Watson, journalist Gary Younge, vascular trauma surgeon Dr Martin Griffith and rapper Akala. 

Gregory continues: “I think ‘It Takes a Village’ could become a Hackney-wide event to celebrate Black and Global Majority children.

“I want to bring more keynote speakers to inspire Black and Global Majority children, young adults and elders. I want to work with our elders in the community and bring the elders and youngsters together

“I love serving my local community and I will continue to do so into the foreseeable future.”