3 minute read
Farewell to Robin
The project was meant to last for four terms, and ends after ten. Just as it was in my cricketing days it is a surprise that I managed to get into double figures.
The aim, as expressed to all parents in my first week in the job, was to professionalise all aspects of the school, whilst maintaining and enhancing the ethos and values of the College, and by doing all of this regaining the trust and confidence of the authorities.
To satisfy the Independent Schools Inspectorate twice in 2020 and then to have to deal with even more intense regulatory interventions was surprising and difficult. We have now come out of the other side of all of that, stronger in all respects, and able to move forward with confidence with the aim of getting better and better. Ampleforth College is indeed back.
It is also very good for the College that we have carried out a planned, constitutional transition from one professional Head to another – some say that this has not happened in the College’s history. To have someone arriving in January of the quality of Peter Roberts, with all his experience of leading two significant independent schools and his outstanding intellectual and academic ability, plus the fact that he is a very nice person, is great for the College. He and Marie, who will also be heavily involved with the school, will enjoy everything that the school has to offer and will undoubtedly usher in a new era of growth and success.
I would like to thank all staff for their loyalty and professionalism. They have been steadfast in confronting the many difficulties and concerns, and have patiently carried out the many changes that have been necessary.
Parents have shown similar resilience which has been expressed consistently with a great deal of passion. I cannot overstate the
power of this – without it we would not have been able to get through the hard times. It has been odd hearing the views of some observers when they have expressed scepticism about the feelings of parents; in this they have completely misread the discerning nature of the Ampleforth parental body.
Students have never lost faith, knowing only too well that their lived experience of the College is something they love and cherish. When I announced the inspection outcome to them in Big Passage their spontaneous outburst of unbridled joy will stay in my memory for ever. Thanks again to you all – staff, parents and students alike.
I would also like to thank the Governors for the confidence they have shown in the team during the difficult times. Under Edward Sparrow’s leadership their resourcefulness has been most impressive. The Council, under the chairmanship of Lord Charles Moore has been quietly influential and a source of very valuable, independent advice and wisdom. Kevin Hollinrake, MP, has been a tower of strength in his support for the school and the local community.
Some very generous things have been said in the last few days in many messages to which I am enjoying responding. I am glad that the incredible work of staff, the SLT in particular, has been recognised. Without doubt it has been a team effort.
Ali Gardiner’s work on my behalf has been unwavering, indefatigable and to be honest has rescued me on countless occasions. Thank you very much to Ali.
Finally, none of this would have been possible without Penny – most of my best ideas have come from her. SLT and others in the staff have not witnessed the cupboards being kicked and the expletives expressed in private reaction to the frustrations of the last few years. Penny, with the groundedness and stoicism of Yorkshire folk has enabled me to keep my confidence intact and my sights on what really matters.
We leave at the end of December, having loved our time at Ampleforth, delighted that the school can now move forward with security and confidence. We will cherish the memories of warm, hospitable people and such a beautiful place. We look forward to hearing good news from the Valley and very much hope to keep in touch with this wonderful community.
