How many years did you teach at Hymers?

26 years, 1980-2006

How long were you Headmaster at Hymers?

16 years, 1990-2006

What did you teach at Hymers?

I went to Hymers as Head of History and carried on teaching History (with one or two gaps when I was Headmaster) until I retired. I also taught some RE and coached rugby and cricket.

How have things changed since you first started?

The big change in my time was going co-ed in 1989; this made a huge difference to the school and improved it immensely. It also increased the size of the school. Curricular changes added new subjects and resulted in additional teachers being appointed. We did a lot of building development - new laboratories, the Judi Dench theatre, Botanic Sidings development, new Junior School, development of the 6th Form block, swimming pool - all of which provided some excellent facilities for our pupils. But, thankfully, one thing did not change - the desire of governors and staff to ensure that the school remained true to its mission of providing an excellent education to children from all backgrounds; this was made possible, firstly, by the Assisted Places scheme and then our own bursary scheme.

What are your favourite memories of working at Hymers?

I loved it all! As a teacher I have many good memories of pupils I taught and as Headmaster I really came to appreciate the superb Board of Governors and the wonderful staff, both teaching and support staff, who worked at Hymers. It was a real privilege to be involved in everything that went on and to see so many pupils enjoying their time at school and being so successful.

Do you have any favourite tour/trip stories?

I have a trip I missed (!) that would have been a favourite, when my son and his under 13 rugby team won the Rosslyn Park National Sevens tournament (Billy Exley, still at Hymers, was the coach; did I ever thank you, Billy? If not, thanks). I was delighted to be present three years later when the same group won the Oxford Under 16 Sevens under Tony Wood's inspirational leadership.