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.

When did you join the RGS? June 2022

What’s the best thing about the RGS?  The best thing about RGS is the people; super friendly and always willing to help, if they can.

What excites you most about coming into work each day? I love the team I work with; they are the best! Also that every day could bring new treats as well as challenges.

What’s your life philosophy/motto in life? Be kind and pay it forward – there is always someone worse off than yourself! 

If you could change your name to anything, what would it be? I love my name I wouldn’t change it; my name is my journey.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? Music in some form.

What animal most reflects your personality? A cat -They are independent, graceful, clean, love to be fussed over, not scared to show their emotions; walk with purpose or saunter; can be playful and inquisitive but also like their own company! There are also very happy to curl up in front of a fireplace and rest.

If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? I would love to fly (without the aid of a plane )

What’s your favourite film and why? My favourite film is Shawshank Redemption – I love a good prison drama / film, but this film really touched me the with the struggles of justice; fairness, and finally redemption. The scene where Tim Robbins locks himself in the warden’s office and plays classical music to the whole prison is a fantastic representation of kindness without worry of the consequences for himself.

What would your autobiography be entitled? My autobiography would be called ‘Flavours of Ramona’

Which actor/actress would you get to play you in a film of your life? Halle Berry – very positive, petite and powerful woman.

What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? Anything insect related freaks me out!

When did you join RGS Prep? 2022

What’s the best thing about the RGS Prep? The pupils and their curiosity, kindness and sense of humour.

What excites you most about coming into work each day? Learning something new myself, whether it is a book recommendation or an interesting fact from a pupil, or teaching a lesson on a subject I was not that familiar with.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Either the ability to fly or to tidy things up just by looking at them.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? I would like a surfboard or an endless supply of ice cream.

If you could change your name to anything, what would it be? I wouldn’t change my name because I like the alliteration!

If you could be any cartoon character who would you be? I wouldn’t mind being Spiderman for a few weeks or part time.

William is a film director, having previously built a career as a successful theatre and opera director in the UK and abroad. His short film ‘Best’ won the Sundance London short film competition 2013 and was screened at Sundance 2014. William’s first feature film, ‘Lady Macbeth’, starring Florence Pugh, premiered at Toronto International Film Festival 2016 and was subsequently chosen as a top ten pick of the festival in both Variety and Rolling Stone, winning international acclaim. His latest film ‘Eileen’ was premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023.