What is a Winchester person?

My aim is to ensure the young people in my care feel safe and secure in the wonderful environs of the College and develop into well-rounded, young adults we can all be proud of.

Even though I have been fortunate enough to travel to the savannahs of Kenya and the tropical reefs and rainforests of Belize, I have an inordinate fondness for the local wildlife of Hampshire.

Alex joined Winchester as the Head of English in September 2019. He has previously taught at Magdalen College School, Oxford, and the King’s School, Canterbury, where he was the Head of English and a Deputy Housemaster. He has degrees from the University of Cambridge and the University of London; his first monograph was published in 2015, and he continues to research and publish work on modernist poetry.

As Director of Sport at Winchester I want the boys to experience and enjoy the elation of winning, but also to recognise the lessons that can be learned from committing to a common goal and overcoming disappointments and defeats. Such attributes will continue to shape and influence our pupils well into their later lives.

As well as teaching English and being a Div Don, my role at Winchester involves helping those in the Sixth Form flourish and ensuring the school’s academic offering is as good as it can be. It’s exciting to work with colleagues and boys who value genuine intellectual endeavour and independence, and to teach in such historic surroundings: there aren’t many places where pupils can set their eyes on a Shakespeare first folio or follow in Keats’s footsteps while reading his poetry.

When I joined Winchester, I was struck immediately by its unique blend of tradition and modernity; and secondly, the passion for learning and ideas that's obvious in everyone you meet - don and student.

Being a matron is a hugely varied role but I believe the core tenet is to ensure the pupils feel secure and happy. This involves knowing them well and ensuring they are confident that you will try to help them with whatever problem they bring to you.

At Winchester there is such a strong sense of community. It isn't a huge school and feels almost like a home away from home. Staying indoors on a rainy day, chatting with friends, crowding around the radiator and sharing funny stories can be one of the most special experiences of your life.

James teaches History, Div and plenty of sport across the school, and is a lay chaplain. He is a committee member for the Crown and Manor club and a school governor. James will take over as Housemaster of Turner's in 2023.

Our drama ethos is in many ways a reflection of the values of the school as a whole: mass-participation is encouraged, excellence is sought and achieved, and a lot of fun is had by boys and staff alike!

When people ask what I teach, they often say ‘I don’t know much about Economics’, but it is, of course, not the case. Anyone who works, goes shopping or provides for their family – so everyone – is engaging with Economics.  

Anthony studied English Literature at Cambridge, and has taught at Winchester since 2000. He coaches cricket, golf and soccer, and is involved with drama and creative writing at the school.

In my time at Winchester College, I have seen lots of changes but the one thing that has not changed is that the boys love their food, appreciate trying different recipes and will soon let you know if it’s a thumbs down.

In addition to teaching Physics, Maths and Div, I also run Faith Circles, a weekly meeting of all the boys from non-Christian traditions. I’m also Master in Charge of all martial arts.  

As Director of Studies, I monitor the progress that boys are making using their intermediate grades and exam performance (both internal and external). This analysis is then shared with the Second Master, Deputy Head Academic, Housemasters and Heads of Department so that they can best support the boys in both the pastoral and academic aspects of school life.

Community Service is a journey of self-discovery.  Our boys are encouraged to work out of their comfort zone. They learn to become self-reliant in challenging situations, to engage and empathise with others, and to give unreservedly and wholeheartedly of their time and talents. 

I have found that the academic curiosity among staff and boys at Winchester is hard to replicate elsewhere, with boys actively seeking out opportunities to learn long after their working day is done.

As assistant housemaster in Du Boulay’s (Cook’s), I tend to eat most of my evening meals with the boys as well as several lunches during the week. It gives me the opportunity to catch up with them on their day, talk about things that are coming up or general conversations on unexpected topics!

I love the atmosphere of a lazy Sunday. You can go in to town, play football or do whatever you like.