What’s the best thing about the RGS?   

The best thing about the RGS is the people, both staff and students. There is a courtesy, friendliness, and academic curiosity built into the ethos of the school that originates from and is consistently implemented by the people within the walls of the RGS.

What excites you most about coming into work each day? 

There’s nothing better than seeing the penny drop for a student and witness their confidence grow as a result.

What’s your life philosophy/motto in life?

Che sera sera.

If you could change your name to anything, what would it be? 

Socrates. It would make more sense why I ask my students incessant questions.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? 

Definitely a very full kindle, so that I would have enough reading material to last me while I am marooned.

If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be?

Teleportation. So much time saved and so many travel opportunities, without having an environmental impact!

What is your favourite ice-cream flavour?

Salted Caramel. It is vanilla for the more adventurous.

Antiques Expert

Mark is an author, publisher, TV presenter, and the leading specialist dealer in post-war Czechoslovakian glass. He has been an expert on the BBC Antiques Roadshow since 2007, and co-presented four primetime TV shows on antiques, collecting and interiors for BBC2, including two series of Collectaholics. Mark lectures widely and is an Arts Society (NADFAS) accredited lecturer, a member of The British Antiques Dealers’ Association, and a Freeman of the City of London.

As a Specialist Producer for Sky News, Nick focusses on people stories. He is currently in Ukraine reporting on how communities survive and hold onto their spirit through unimaginable circumstances. He previously won a BAFTA for his broadcasts during the Hong Kong protests in 2019/20 reflecting Nick’s passion for getting the ‘little man’ stories matter on the bigger stage.

An avid classicist Richard went on to read Classics at Queens’ College Cambridge, where he gained a First and sang counter-tenor in the Chapel Choir.  On graduating, he joined GCHQ as a codebreaker before being seconded to the Cabinet Office to write intelligence-based assessments for the Joint Intelligence Committee.  He later transferred to the Department for International Development, before taking up his present positions, running the honours system, advising the Prime Minister on the appointment of Bishops, Deans and Lord-Lieutenants, and serving as Clerk to​ the Privy Council.

Chris’s interest in weightlifting began at school and he browsed the internet for training videos. This ‘have a go’ attitude quickly developed into a winning mentality culminating in a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the 81kg Weightlifting Class. Having lived and breathed performance success, he now guides athletes and coaches through their training and competition journeys.

In 2019 Peter was awarded Fellow of the Royal Society, an accolade given only to eminent scientists in recognition of outstanding contributions to the field in which they work. He is currently a Professor at Queens’ College Cambridge and has focussed his work on applying mathematics to predicting weather patterns and climate change. Read Peter’s article on ‘Predicting the Butterfly Effect’ here.

When did you join the RGS? September 2022

What’s the best thing about the RGS?  The students.

What excites you most about coming into work each day?  Teaching students who like to learn and progress!

What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? You don’t know the big picture yet!

-What luxury would you have on a desert island? A diamond sword which I am sure would be handy!

If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? Time manipulation

Do you have any phobias? Fearless as ever!

What is your favourite ice-cream flavour? Chocolate

When did you join RGS Prep? 2021

What’s the best thing about the RGS Prep?  The enthusiasm and engagement of the boys, I love how ready they are to take on any challenge without hesitation.

What excites you most about coming into work each day? That no two days are the same, I like that each lesson is unexpected and that every day someone makes me laugh.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? Books – if I had to choose one it would be Little Women, it’s my favourite.

What animal most reflects your personality? A dog – I’m loyal and caring, like to show affection but also like to be left alone to sleep.

What’s your favourite film and why? The Goonies – because I would have loved to have an adventure like that when I was a child!

Which actor/actress would you get to play you in a film of your life? I would love it to be Emily Blunt – although I’m not too sure how much similarities there are there.

What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? Brussel sprouts!

What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? ‘Being challenged in life is inevitable, but being defeated is optional.’

When did you join RGS Prep? September 2018.

What’s the best thing about the RGS Prep?  The sense of community among the staff, the students and the local area.

What excites you most about coming into work each day? The incredible range of opportunities on offer to every boy who attend RGS Prep.

What’s your favourite film and why? Rocky! A small-time boxer gets a supremely rare chance to fight a heavyweight champion in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect. A wonderful example of determination to succeed.

Which actor/actress would you get to play you in a film of your life? Michael Sheen. He now resides in the village in Wales where I grew up.

What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? Oysters.

If you could be any cartoon character who would you be? Bandit (Bluey’s Dad).

What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? Good things are not going to come to you on their own. Get on the stage and strut your stuff. Nobody is going to discover your potential until you do it for yourself.