Just before the end of term, we published . We wanted to celebrate the brilliant staff working tirelessly (and often quietly behind the scenes) to keep the day-to-day life of their school running smoothly. We were so blown away by the number of schools rushing to tell us about their unsung heroes that we’ve decided to extend the list. Read on to learn about these treasured members of staff – and if you see them around your schools next term, please do make sure you stop and show them your gratitude!
Brambletye School
Annabelle Price, Catering Manager
Tasked with feeding 400 every day, catering manager Annabelle has been a dearly loved member of the Brambletye community since 2000. ‘Her passion for ensuring that children are interested in and enjoying what they put in their mouths at every meal is evident in the variety and quality of each dish,’ says the school, ‘and she’ll ensure growing pupils have seconds or thirds if they want it, or the picky child has something they would like on their plates – including healthy elements that Mummy would approve of!’ We hear that a firm favourite is Annabelle’s Thursday curry and meatballs – and many parents have even been told how her versions are superior to their own (one pupil recently visited the kitchens so he could note down the recipe for his mother to recreate during the holidays). And she does it all with a huge smile and a twinkle in her eye. ‘Annabelle is a real gem, and we are incredibly grateful for her,’ says the school.
Yann Kerneis, Facilities Manager
‘Where would we be without Yann?’ says Falcons Pre-Prep. Working tirelessly in the background for every member of the school community, Yann is the go-to person for help, advice, a speedy maintenance fix or simply a chat. He’s renowned for his hilarious jokes, never says no to anything and manages to solve every problem, however big or small. Pupils tell us he does everything from refereeing football matches to driving the school bus, fixing doors and cleaning. ‘Without him, our school wouldn’t be a school,’ they tell us.
Mike Hart, PE & Games Teacher
Mike taught PE and games at Thorngrove for 10 years, and his good humour and outstanding teaching were much loved by pupils, parents and staff alike. Under his watch, Thorngrove’s sports teams thrived in competitive matches, and Mr Hart always brought a real element of fun to lessons (we’re told on good authority that he was always the first on and last off the dance floor at end of term parties). He’s done a huge amount for the community too, raising tens of thousands of pounds for local charities and organising the school’s annual charity aerobathon. Much to the school’s sadness, he retired at the end of the summer term 2022 – but Thorngrove remains hopeful he’ll return to run next year’s event.
Deborah Downing, Head of Classics
Affectionately known as ‘DD’, Deborah has championed classics at Mayfield since 2008. After starting out in the learning-support department, she was asked at short notice to step in and cover a Latin class (in which she has a degree) and has never looked back. She’s now been head of department for almost 10 years. ‘DD has the ability to make you love the subject she teaches just because of the happiness and enthusiasm she brings to everything she does,’ says Year 9 pupil Amelia. And she puts her pupils’ welfare at the heart of everything too – she recently completed a neuroscience course with BrainCanDo, and now delivers workshops for pupils on reframing negative thoughts and building resilience.
Rob Ball, Estate Foreman
Rob – a retired assistant divisional officer for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue – is often seen walking his friendly dog Isla as he goes around unlocking the school for the day. His job involves everything from saving Moor Park wildlife (including hedgehogs stuck in hockey goal nets, stags entangled in football nets and disorientated bats) to swooping in to rescue a confusion of bees (and pupils) after their hive had been knocked over, with nothing but a long-sleeved top and washing-up gloves as protection. Rob works tirelessly to look after Moor Park’s beautiful environment and its inhabitants – and, whatever the situation, he’s always there to help.
Steve Elkington, Herpetology Club Creator and Science Teacher
Steve Elkington – or Elk, as he’s known – has made an extraordinary and unique contribution to Papplewick, setting up the school’s herpetology club more than 18 years ago, when snakes, bearded dragons, geckos, tarantulas and other fantastic creatures and creepy crawlies were highly unlikely to be part of daily life at a British prep school. Other schools have followed in his trailblazing footsteps and now regularly consult him on all aspects of caring for these creatures.
A passionate wildlife enthusiast from South Africa, Steve sadly retired at the end of the summer term but leaves an enormous legacy at the school. Over the years, he has wowed and enchanted boys and their parents, given pupils the opportunity to care for all manner of creatures, and has bred everything from African clawed frogs to Oriental fire-bellied toads and death’s head cockroaches. The most dedicated members of the club can even earn a snake-club tie to show off their dedication. ‘Steve’s knowledge and love for these creatures has converted many a nervous observer into draping a snake around their neck in no time and then becoming their best friend!’ says headmaster Tom Bunbury.
Roy Cotterell, Clerk of Works
Those who work alongside Roy universally speak of him with affection, describing him as a colleague who is endlessly positive, always offering to help and for whom nothing is too much trouble. The best examples of an unsung hero at work, the school tells us, are the small acts of kindness they do when no one is looking. When a housemistress’ flat was flooded late at night, Roy moved all her stuff out, dried it out, redecorated the room and regularly checked in with her to make sure she was OK while she was temporarily living in another boarding house.
Following in the footsteps of his father (who also worked for the school), Roy has been known to battle through London traffic to fix broken exhibition stands and offer his own vehicle when the school minibus broke down. In short, ‘when he gives you his word that he will do something, you can count on him 100 per cent’, says the school. ‘Roy is like a stick of rock – if you cut him down the middle, he would be St George’s colours through and through,’ adds a colleague: a lovely description of his continuous loyalty and personal commitment to the St George’s community.
Sarah McClelland, Dragon Wardrobe
Sarah has been in charge of the drama wardrobe at The Dragon for more than 20 years, starting out as a boarding houseparent before moving across to the drama department to help out with the make-up for school plays. Later, she took on the management of the wardrobe and costumes for every production, where the calibre remains extremely high (the school can count Emma Watson, Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston amongst its thespian alumni).
Sarah loves seeing the nerves and excitement ahead of an opening night, telling us, ’There are often critical moments during a production: stitching coming undone just as a child is going on stage, or the need for a safety pin or some trusty Velcro, which I keep in my pocket. Quick changes are often essential – the fastest one took under a minute to transform an urchin into a bride!’
Lyn Simpkin, Matron
Windlesham couldn’t function without Miss Lyn, one of the school’s matrons whose job it is to wash all 320 pupils’ sports kit every day. Tasked with making sure everyone has the right gear, she also helps out in the boarding house, ensuring everything is in order at bedtime and all the children are settled. ‘She must be the busiest person in the school, but she always makes time for children and staff alike, and nothing is too much trouble,’ says Windlesham.
James Mead, Head Groundsman, and Paul Thornton, Head Gardener
Ever since Rugby’s foundation in 1567, the school’s site – based in the middle of a West Midlands town – has grown considerably and now occupies 350 acres. The upkeep of the grounds is no easy task: all 15 boarding houses have their own large garden, and the outdoor sports facilities include 13 rugby pitches (including the hallowed Close), cricket and hockey pitches, two polo fields and outdoor tennis courts. Then there are the creeper-clad quads, mature trees and grassy walkways linking the school buildings, old and new.
All of this land is tended by head groundsman James Mead, head gardener Paul Thornton (who has been working at the school for 35 years) and their teams of highly skilled gardeners and grounds people, plus dozens of apprentices trained over the years. Between them, they have quietly and modestly overseen massive improvements in the grounds, creating an outstanding environment in which the whole school community lives, works and plays. Sadly for the school, James left at the end of the summer term – one of his many responsibilities has been to look after The Close, where the game of rugby was first invented, and his farewell task was to supervise the relaying of the pitch so that the turf is in perfect condition when the school celebrates the game’s bicentenary in 2023.
Martin and Sue Williams, Art Teachers
Martin and Sue tirelessly contributed to the Caldicott community – pushing the school’s art programme forward and taking pupils under their wing – for 33 and 36 years respectively. Asked how they managed to combine a successful marriage and working relationship for so long, they said it’s all about ‘realising you are a team inside and outside of schools, and listening and supporting your teammate always’. They retired this summer, but it’s safe to say the pair will leave a lasting legacy – and will be much missed by pupils, parents and staff.
‘There was no limit to how much they gave to the school,’ says one former teacher. ‘A boy wanted a scholarship but wasn’t quite at the level yet – no problem, Martin would give up his every break, lunch and evening to get them there. If a boy was struggling with settling in, issues at home or any other element of life, Sue was on hand to talk him through it, engage him with art and explore a new way to achieve heightened wellbeing. Boys were inspired in their care, and they learned to love art in all its forms.’ ‘Mr Williams was a teacher who never failed to remain enthusiastic in his desire to help and uplift the boys,’ adds a parent.
Downe House
Steph Tinsley, Events, Services and Facilities Manager
We were inundated with testimonials praising the brilliance of Steph’s work in the Downe House community. ‘She is a person who brings the sunshine to Downe House, always cheerful and positive when overcoming challenges, and always looking to find a workable solution,’ says Kirsty Richardson, the school’s director of drama. We’re told absolutely nothing fazes her – be it unpacking removal vans for new staff, helping with sports-fixture logistics, rescuing birds trapped in the sports hall, repairing maintenance issues, offering support, practical advice and cups of tea to staff, or just providing a bridge between departments so that everything at the school can run smoothly. It’s safe to say she’s an absolute star – and one who is willing to go above and beyond her role and duties in all aspects of school life.
Malvern St James
Enzo, MSJ’s Four-Legged Hero
There may be the occasional need for hugs and hot chocolate at any school, but one of Malvern St James’ most important pastoral secret weapons is rescue dog Enzo, who comes into school every day for walks in the glorious Worcestershire countryside, cuddles and chats with pupils. Best of all, he listens patiently, doesn’t interrupt and does a brilliant job at helping pupils to open up about their anxieties.
‘Just having him around calms us,’ says one pupil. ‘The bonding time someone spends with Enzo may be what helps them through a challenging time.’ ‘I think having Enzo in school makes a huge difference – and not just to me, but to many others too,’ adds another. ‘He can really cheer people up, and when you’re having serious chats, he’s there for emotional support and will come and check you’re OK.’
Carol West, Catering Department
Carol West has been busy keeping pupils and staff well fed for more than 20 years – and has made a phenomenal amount of cake during that time. A brilliant pastry chef, she bakes a dazzling array of pastries, cakes and biscuits every day (her brownies, we’re told, are glorious), keeping the whole school’s energy topped up during morning and afternoon break, lunches and match teas.
Lesley Goucher, Assistant to Director of Finance and Director of Estates
Lesley has worked at Whitgift since 2004, and in that time has established herself as the font of all knowledge for support and teaching staff. She’s worn a number of hats – everything from wedding planner to finance assistant to lost-property coordinator, prop buyer, flight booker and lunchtime supervisor. Having built up an encyclopaedic knowledge of the school, she’s the go-to person when anyone simply doesn’t know who to ask. ‘She is determined to solve problems for staff and go that extra mile,’ says one colleague. ‘She always has time for you and will help you, and even though she may be under pressure herself, she will always put you first,’ adds another. ‘Whitgift colleagues really value Lesley and her approachable can-do attitude, amazing knowledge and great sense of humour.’
Olivia Inglis, Headmaster’s Wife
‘On a day-to-day basis, the school could not operate without Olivia,’ says Elstree. Every day, she greets parents and children as they arrive, scooping up the details about how they are, what they’ve lost, what they need, where they will go – be it today, tomorrow, in one year or in eight. She knows the name of every child and acts as a confidante to parents (with three children of her own, she’s been there and gets it). She chairs the dining room committee, ensuring pupils maintain a healthy diet while catering for the whims and wishes of children from all over the world. She runs practice interviews for every child as they prepare for senior school. She oversees a programme of charity and outreach initiatives, organising everything from the Elstree Dog Show to grandparents’ mornings and leavers’ dinners. She regularly invites pupils over for tea, supper, a barbecue or breakfast to celebrate achievements, offering a warm distraction during exam season or just a friendly catch-up. In short, Olivia has invested her heart and soul in Elstree – and it is her relentlessly energetic and positive commitment that helps make it such a happy place.
Multi-talented and multi-tasking Michael wears many hats at Falcons Prep, driving the school minibus, accompanying boys on the journey to and from assembly, helping set up events, running archery classes after school and even putting his wonderful DIY and painting skills to good use. ‘He is one of the pillars of our community,’ says the school. ‘Not only due to his role to keep the site safe and functioning, but also because of all the other tasks he undertakes. We are very grateful to have Michael in our team.’
Wellington College
Mark Dodd, Grounds and Gardens Manager, and Kat Dahl, Learning Officer for the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust
The 400-acre Wellington College campus not only hosts more than 1,300 pupils and staff, it’s also home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna. Step forward Mark Dodd and Kat Dahl, who have put in place measures to promote and safeguard wildlife diversity at Wellington, while increasing the knowledge and understanding of the species on site by engaging the wider community through the Welly Wildlife website, social media, talks and tours.
Much of the work done by the pair aims to improve and enhance existing landscapes by creating green corridors and site-wide surveying of target priority species, including breeding nightjars and Dartford warblers, plus several rare species of invertebrate. There are more than 100 native plant species on the campus, plus nine species of bat, deer, badger, fox and smaller mammals. And it’s thanks to Mark and Kat that pupils are able to gain hands-on experience of managing Wellington’s historic landscape (third-form pupils can sign up for ecology lessons on a Wednesday afternoon as part of their enrichment programme) – a feast of forest, scrub, bog and heathland, plus acres of gorgeous grounds and gardens.
Ahmad Azman Zambery, Groundsman
Alice Smith School has its hardworking maintenance team to thank for its beautiful campus – and Azman has been part of that team for a whopping 32 years. Since starting his career here when he was just 22, the school has provided extensive skills training to help with his professional development – and he talks passionately about the roster of memorable events he has been involved in during his time here, from Christmas bazaars and Eid Mubarak celebrations to friendly football matches with teachers from the primary and secondary campuses. As one of the longest-serving staff, he tells us he’s looking forward to watching the school continue to thrive – and become even more advanced and successful in the years to come.
Alison Nadarajah, Vice-Principal
In 1985, Alison – keen to work abroad – spotted an advert from the Alice Smith School in the Times ÍÑ¿ã°Éal Supplement offering a five-term contract from January 1986. It was never her plan to still be teaching and living in Malaysia 36 years later. Beginning her career at the school as a junior-level teacher, Alison also took on the responsibility of various extracurricular activities including Guides, Cub Scouts and Brownies. Today, she is vice-principal and in charge of championing students’ wellbeing and ensuring that good care is taken of all pupils on the primary campus. And although the school has undergone many changes over the years, the same ethos and happy, busy atmosphere have prevailed.
‘I have so many memories, but it is meeting former families and students who return to visit the school that gives me the most joy. My vision is that the children will continue for many years to love coming to Alice Smith and love learning, and that our teachers will thoroughly enjoy working here. Even after 36 years, I have never got up in the morning and felt I did not want to go to work,’ says Alison.
Naruma, Cleaner and Gardener
Sustainability and eco-initiatives sit front and centre at ISKL – and green-fingered Naruma spends much of her spare time helping water, harvest and care for the produce in the school’s eco-garden. Gardening has been her hobby for much of her life and, juggling her duties with her role as a cleaner at the school, she has worked with great effort to find a suitable water resource to keep the plants on campus healthy and thriving. She has successfully planted papayas and long beans in the school’s rooftop garden, and pops into the school to water the plants when the rest of the staff are on leave – a true community star!
Dan, Facilities Manager
Facilities manager Dan looks after what he describes as ‘the cogs in the shadows that keep the wheels of The Scots College turning’ – a long list that includes upkeep of the gardens, classrooms and sporting facilities, and implementation of minor and major projects. Scots holds hundreds of functions and events throughout the year, and Dan and his team are involved in every one of them. The team are on call 24/7, ready to leap into action and fix blocked drains, power outages, storm damage and any other unexpected hiccups. Things get even busier during the school holidays, when the work begins on upgrading classrooms, replacing carpets, hanging pictures, organising arborists and cleaning. Dan and his team boast an extraordinarily broad range of experience – from carpentry to tiling to plumbing and gardening – and between them, they ensure the day-to-day operation of the college runs like clockwork.