January 1st 2015
I was lucky enough to grow up in a prep school environment – my father taught English and Latin at Ludgrove Prep School as well as coaching games. On leaving Ludgrove, I went to Ampleforth College followed by a History degree at Newcastle University, and then qualified as a lawyer.
Three years as a corporate lawyer in the City was enough to confirm that a career in the legal world was not for me, and so I returned to Ludgrove for my first teaching post, and qualified while I was there. The humour and cheerful nature of prep school aged children, combined with the selfless dedication of colleagues, provide a wonderful and inspiring workplace, and I have not regretted my decision for one moment.
Deputy Headship at Farleigh in Hampshire followed, and it was during my six years there that my wife Sarah and I were fortunate enough to have our three fabulous children – Tom, now at Radley, Ella who is at Marlborough, and Jake who has recently left Moulsford to join his brother at Radley. They were born in 2001, 2003 and 2005 respectively.
We moved back North to our student stomping ground to take on my first Headship at Mowden Hall near Corbridge in Northumberland. We had seven very happy years close to Hadrian’s Wall, in a rural and traditional co-educational boarding prep school.
We are delighted to now be at Moulsford, and thoroughly enjoy the warmer climate of the South once more! From the moment we first visited Moulsford, we were struck by the warmth of the school community, the balance that is struck between school and family life for everyone involved, and the delightful openness and infectious enthusiasm of the boys in our midst.
One of the many benefits of leading a teacher’s life is being able to take extended holidays with our children. We have had many happy family times spent mainly on the west coast of Ireland and the south west coast of Scotland, where we love boating, fishing, shrimping, surfing, reading, walking with our dog Pepper, cycling and playing golf – with the odd pint of Guinness thrown in. When time and circumstances allow, I also love watching and playing cricket, tennis, skiing, travel, and more golf!
