'Dame Jean taught me more than Sir Alan'

Deborah Linton

January 26, 2009

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ADELE LOCK Former Apprentice contestant

ONE of Dame Jean Else's former pupils, who went on to appear on The Apprentice, has told how she was the catalyst in turning her life around.

Adele Lock, now director of salon chain Gentry Grooming Co, said her life was transformed because of her teacher's passion and conviction and claimed she learned more from her than Sir Alan Sugar on the BBC show.

Adele, who was taught by Dame Jean at Stretford High School around 20 years ago, said: "I will never forget the day when she said she was going to consider expelling me. I was so deeply upset but it was the kick I needed.

"Twelve months later I was still at the school but I was behaving myself and enjoying every minute. I also got the GCSE results I had wished for.

"Without doubt I had and continue to have a huge amount of respect for Jean Else.

"I often mention her as she was the catalyst in getting me back on track. I actually mentioned her in my original application for the Apprentice.

"She didn't meticulously follow procedures she perhaps should have and it cost her dearly.

"But Dame Jean has an exemplary record when it comes to teaching and results and if they wanted better controls they should have employed an accountant."

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Frostee, Oldham (26/01/2009 at 10:49)

It does seem rather harsh to disqualify Jean Else despite her good record but this was not just 'failing to meticulously follow procedures'. Her actions were rather more than that and included serious monetary lapses and nepotism in public office. Surely punishment must reflect the offences whether or not she was efficient at her job otherwise we are on a slippery slope indeed.

Ronky, Bowker Vale (26/01/2009 at 12:51)

Of course a teacher taught her more than someone who she was effectively interviewed by a couple of times.

The Apprentice is not a training course - its a game show!

dave pickup (26/01/2009 at 12:58)

Sounds to me that Jean Else would make a cracking Prime Minister! There again,so would I considering what we have got at present!

Mark,Radcliffe. (26/01/2009 at 14:57)

"She didn't meticulously follow procedures she perhaps should have..." Well Adele,she appears to have educated you fully in the art of understatement.

angry brit, sale (26/01/2009 at 15:16)

Does this mean that Adele is going to employ only relatives and family?

andanotherthing, Mcr (26/01/2009 at 15:35)

No it means Adele got some free publicity

Happy days!, Cheshire (26/01/2009 at 22:31)

I Think the point is being missed here...there was £300k of taxpayers money used to sack Jean Else! Perhaps this money could have been used to make improvements to the education system? The school has now slipped and has below average results since Jean Else departed (got sacked). The proof is in the pudding and mistakes were made.....there's no doubting that, however the punishment seems too harsh.... this is precisely the problem with the education system today - too much red tape and not enough common sense! Hence why so many schools are failing....the teachers and staff are burdened with ridiculous amounts of procedures that they cannot see the wood for the trees and its the kids who lose out in the end!! SHAM!

Brian carr (26/01/2009 at 23:04)

It seems that Dame Jean was someone who held old fashioned values and was maternal to her pupils and staff. More importantly she educated them. She has embarassed the pc ineffectuals who are destroying education in this country who spend our money to dispose of her. As for the sideswipes at Adele Lock? A woman who builds businesses and contributes more than the average person to the welfare state and is able to do so because of Dame Jean Else' skills. I am sure Adele isnt the only useful member o fsociety to be borne of this lady's efforts.

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