NENE PEOPLE
Sarah Kerr-Dineen Sue Dobson meets the new Head of Oundle School
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UNLIGHT pours through the mullion windows of Sarah Kerr-Dineen’s office. A sense of calm pervades the huge room, so perfectly arranged for every aspect of a Head’s busy working life. The view, over carefully tended lawns shaded by venerable trees, is mesmerising. “I get to see the pupils crossing the gardens between lessons, which I like,” she smiles. Sarah took over as Head of Oundle School last autumn. Educated at Steyning Grammar School in West Sussex (a highly regarded day and boarding State school founded in 1614, where the motto is ‘Every Person the Best They Can Be’), she gained an MA in English at Trinity College, Cambridge, followed by graduate study at Christ Church, Oxford. Her teaching career, which spans over 25 years, includes 13 years at St Edward’s, Oxford, where she was also a Boarding Housemistress and ultimately Director of Studies. Before arriving in Oundle she was Warden (Head) of the innovative Forest School in London. So what drew her to Oundle? “I’ve known about the school for a long time – many of my professional peers have worked at Oundle at some point – and I’ve always enjoyed the company of Old Oundelians, finding them to be interesting, intelligent, decent people. I very much appreciate the school’s ethos and values: recognising the potential of each child, expecting the best of everyone and providing opportunities for all to flourish. It’s an impressive place of learning. Then there’s the town itself – it’s a wonderful place to live.” Sarah is the first woman to be appointed Head in the school’s 460-year history, but it’s not the first time that she’s made similar headlines – she was the first female Head of the 175-year-old Forest School back in 2009. “It’s not something I think about much,” she says. “It’s not why I was appointed. But if it offers a greater range of role models to the pupils, it can only be a good thing.” FAMILY HOME If the setting for her office seems idyllic, she is also fortunate to be living in what is arguably one of the finest houses in the county. “It is wonderful,” she
agrees, and although it is large and has a long history, “it is very much a family home.” Married to music educationalist, lecturer and Royal School of Music examiner Anthony KerrDineen, the couple have four grown-up children, their ages ranging from 19 to 27. “Two are still at university, both studying languages. Alexa is in Bath in her second year studying French and Spanish, while Freddie is at Durham in his third year doing French, Italian and Spanish, so he is out of the country this year. Will is a teacher in Kimbolton and our eldest daughter, Georgie, who got married last year, is a lawyer. “Anthony has been a Director of Music in two schools and is enjoying being part of school life again. He’s been known to step into the breach when the Music Department needs an accompanist! “I’m very struck by how much is going on in Oundle. It’s a proper, thriving town. I love theatre and go to as many productions at the Stahl as possible.”
“I very much appreciate the school’s ethos and values: recognising the potential of each child, expecting the best of everyone and providing opportunities for all to flourish. It’s an impressive place of learning. Then there’s the town itself – it’s a wonderful place to live.”
Sarah’s warmth, innate charm and natural diplomacy have made her popular among staff and pupils
SENSE OF COMMUNITY After Eton and Millfield, Oundle School is the third largest independent boarding school in England. Sarah says she’s always enjoyed the sense of community that being part of a boarding school brings. “What makes Oundle special is both the mix of boarders and day pupils and the fact that the school and the town are so entwined. The sense of sharing space with the town’s residents is very grounding for the children. They are not growing up in an ivory tower but living in the heart of, and being part of, a thriving market town. It’s a happy relationship with a lot of local connections, especially through the vibrant community action programme.” Sarah’s warmth, innate charm and natural diplomacy have made her popular among staff and pupils. After two terms in the job what has she learned? “That it’s a very good-hearted school, optimistic and forward-looking. The pupils are open with positive attitudes and a love of learning. I’m constantly impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by everyone here.” NENE LIVING APRIL 2016
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