There is no biographical profile of the Principal on the College's website. This detail is from the 2023 appointment article.

Taking the helm of the college where he was once a student himself, the 41-year-old said: "I do feel really proud."

"It is an exciting time to be leading the college," said Patrick who, having grown up in the town is now raising his own three children there. In fact, his eldest son Alfie, 17, is a current student at the college. It all feeds into Patrick's commitment to Bede, the area, and all its young people.

As a former student that is something he felt long before becoming a teacher at the college himself.

As a young musician of 17 he loved his time at Bede, but admits, in those days, a career in teaching never crossed his mind.

For him, the bright lights of Manchester and London beckoned, where he went on to fulfil his ambitions working as a recording engineer at Sarm West Studios with Trevor Horn.

But when it came to settling down with his wife Shelley, also a former Bede student, it was Teesside that they chose.

He said: "One of the benefits of living in Manchester and London, and from travelling the UK with the band, is it made me fully appreciate just how amazing my hometown of Billingham really is. It has a really good community, the people are friendly and the location is great."

He found the opportunities in music didn't stop with a return to the North-east either, it was while already working as a teacher, Patrick and pal, Matt Chipchase, helped form Young Rebel Set, an indie rock band later signed by Sony and Ignition Records.

Having launched the music technology course at Bede by then, as the band's producer, guitarist, keyboard player and co-songwriter, Patrick said: "There were times I would be teaching during the day, gigging in London on the night and be back in the classroom the next morning.

"The team at Bede were so supportive and it was great experience for the students as it meant they had a practising artist teaching the course."

Today Patrick's passion for music continues, while he stepped out of the band in 2011, he still produces, working with bands nationally and internationally. His latest projects include work with a folk-rock duo from Nashville and an Icelandic singer.

Occasionally playing drums in a metal band, as well as performing solo, he said: "Music is my way to relax, some people exercise, this is what I do."