How long have you been at Bedales, and how did you get here?
Amazingly I started at Bedales back in 2008 – it only feels like yesterday when I started. As there is so much variety to life at the School, time flies by.
I was previously working in the Cabinet Office, when living locally in Hambledon at the time, I had got to know a near neighbour and former Bedales head, Tim Slack, from whom I learnt much about the School’s heritage.
What is your role and what is a typical day for you like at Bedales?
I have a broad role across the Whole School overseeing the External Relations team of great colleagues working on admissions, communications, marketing, alumni, development and partnerships.
A typical day starts with my walk/cycle commute up the footpath and along the Roman road, where I am greeted by the Bedales livestock. The working day involves a combination of meetings with staff colleagues and students, planning initiatives for all members of our community, time at my desk trying to keep on top of emails, attending student performances, and working with some of our partner charities and schools.
There are always new ideas to be developing in addition to keeping going with all the regular activities and communications.
There are occasional trips to other schools and organisations, and meetings /conferences. Part of my role is to be looking outwards, learning about what’s happening in education nationally and globally, and communicating with the outside world about Bedales’ distinctive approach to education.
Apart from your role, what else do you get involved with at the School?
I enjoy adventure and have been lucky enough to get involved with running the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme. I enjoy getting to know the students in a different context on expeditions in some of the most beautiful parts of the UK. If I’m lucky, I also get to drive the Bedales Land Rover!
I have also assisted with school trips (Eswatini was amazing), supervised Sixth Form students taking the Extended Project Qualification, and acted as an online maths tutor for the Action Tutoring national charity that supports children needing extra educational support.
In your opinion, what makes Bedales special?
I enjoy the unstuffy nature of the school – no unnecessary petty rules; staff and students encouraged to be themselves; the sense that all talents are valued; and the high quality of the relationships with students, parents, Old Bedalians and colleagues. I also appreciate the non-conformist progressive ethos of the school. It is highly distinctive and this questioning approach – not for the sake of it but for better student outcomes – is much needed in our society today.
Who or what inspires you?
Working in a school, a source of inspiration would have to be youthful enthusiasm, positivity and optimism (and I definitely see things as half full rather than half empty). The quality of the music at Bedales in particular provides good opportunities not only to see mastery is action, but time to pause and reflect. Student performances always remind me of the power of teamwork and that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
I appreciate stories of resilience, overcoming adversity and challenge. Getting back to nature always re-ignites me: a wonderful walk, a view, a run, a cycle, camping out. We are fortunate at Bedales to have a beautiful 120-acre estate in the South Downs National Park surrounded by endless inviting countryside.
Finally, just in case they read this, of course my family inspires me (and yes that includes Stan the Fox Red Labrador).
Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.
My first career was as a Royal Navy officer; amongst other things, that has led to the opportunity to play tennis on the hallowed turf at Wimbledon every year.
I am also a supporter of the Welsh rugby team, which, over the years, has had its ups and downs!