How Andy Burnham’s School Teacher Inspired His Belief in Self
A Mentor’s Influence on a Working-Class Boy’s Journey
How Andy Burnham s school teacher – Andy Burnham, now a Labour Party leadership contender, once faced self-doubt as a teenager. His path to success was shaped by a pivotal moment in 1986, when his English teacher, Stephen Harrington, encouraged him to pursue Cambridge University. “He needed a lot of persuading to apply because he felt that as a working-class boy, going off to Cambridge wasn’t for him,” Harrington recalled. “He didn’t believe in himself, but he did it, and the rest is history.”
Burnham grew up in Culcheth, Cheshire, a quiet area near Warrington, with roots in Liverpool. At 16, he was in his first year of sixth form at St Aelred’s Catholic High School, where Harrington taught A-Level English. The teacher described Burnham as “really pleasant” and a “bright lad,” noting his humility despite his talent for cricket, which he played for Lancashire Schoolboys—a prestigious local team. “He never mentioned it to me,” Harrington said. “He was never sort of showing off or anything like that, he actually kept that to himself.”
“My son has been saying to me ‘you’ve changed history Dad’, but he likes a good phrase,” Harrington added.
While Burnham studied Spanish and maths, Harrington pushed him toward English, citing his passion for Tony Harrison’s poetry. “He was so interested in the poet Tony Harrison,” the teacher said. “So I gave him a lot more material, including a cassette recording of one of Harrison’s latest poems, called V.” Harrison, a Leeds-born poet and playwright from 1937, was known for works that challenged social norms. Published in 1985, “V” featured vivid references to the 1984-1985 miners’ strike and union leader Arthur Scargill, alongside gritty language that sparked controversy. The poem was later broadcast on Channel 4 in 1987, prompting a parliamentary debate in the House of Commons.
Harrington believed Harrison’s work demonstrated that poetry could transcend class boundaries. “That was really what turned Andrew towards studying English,” he said. Burnham, who had initially considered a linguistics degree, eventually enrolled at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, graduating with a 2:1. His time at university included a transformative experience: though he initially felt out of place, he found a supportive community and adapted.
“When he went there he told me he found it quite difficult for a while and did feel a bit out of place,” Harrington noted. “But nevertheless, he found his own group of friends and he came through.”
Burnham’s journey continued with a notable chapter in 2009, when he met his wife, Marie-France van Heel, during his tenure as health secretary. Recently, The Mirror reported that Burnham praised Harrington as an “amazing man” he still keeps in touch with. “He couldn’t be more thankful towards me,” Harrington said, reflecting on the politician’s gratitude. The teacher also recalled Burnham’s visit to his retirement event in 2003, a gesture that left him humbled.
Today, Burnham holds the seat of Makerfield after a by-election triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons. With Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement of stepping down, Burnham is the sole active leadership candidate in the party. Harrington, though flattered by the recognition, emphasized his role as a catalyst rather than a sole architect of Burnham’s success. “The rest is history,” he said, capturing the essence of their enduring bond.
