STAMFORD PEOPLE
Nick Gallop Antonia Scott catches up with Nick Gallop – the new Headmaster of Stamford School
Where were you before joining Stamford Endowed School?
Nick Gallop was brought up in Derbyshire and lived there for many years. Straight after leaving school he moved abroad to spend a year in central Brazil doing aid work in local shanty towns and orphanages; and, did some English language teaching. “I think the seeds of a career in education might have been sown in South America, although I didn’t know it at the time. After university, I joined an international firm of accountants and on the very first day I knew it wasn’t for me, but gave it a couple of years before retraining as a teacher. Over the last twenty years I have taught in state and independent schools, boarding and day schools and have loved the hugely varied nature of the job.”
What do you most enjoy most about your current role? “Firstly, seeing the pupils surprise themselves with how great they can be: with the right attitude and hard work, the results – a dramatic production, a team performance, a piece of artwork or an examination result – can be incredible. Secondly, I thoroughly enjoy watching teachers do what they love doing – teaching, coaching, mentoring: it’s inspirational.”
What are the most challenging parts to your role?
“I am immensely lucky to be working in such a great and supportive school; it means that some of the challenges of the role are made just a little bit easier. Being a Head itself is so varied and diverse – you never want to let people down.”
Can you describe a ‘typical day’ in your life at Stamford School?
“I am always trying to find ways to meet and to chat to pupils. I might see a tutor group for just a few minutes first thing in the morning – a few words of encouragement and support can go a long way. It’s also a chance for them to share some ideas and thoughts on the school too. There might then be some meetings with other members of staff – about academic initiatives, pastoral concerns, or some planning for events later in the term. I am really lucky to still teach a little, so spending some time in front of my Year 8 History classes – we’re trying to establish how great a monarch Henry VIII was at the moment – is a highlight. Lunch with staff and pupils is usually followed by a short service in the school’s beautiful chapel, which is one of the oldest buildings in Stamford. If I’m lucky there will be a concert, lecture or other event such as a pupil debate or presentation to enjoy in the evening.”
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STAMFORD LIVING JANUARY 2017
What makes Stamford School such a special place and what lies ahead for 2017?
“One aspect that struck me straight away is the hugely dedicated community of staff. People often don’t realise it when they are going about their busy days, but the environment is so purposeful – from teachers to coaches, to those who work behind the scenes in administration, admissions, finance, marketing, catering or estates – everyone is engaged in the common aim of making this great school even better.”
What interests outside of your role do you have? “With a young family, exploring some of the local parks and historic sites has been fun – as has coming in to town for pizzas. Having mainly taught Politics over the last two decades I still enjoy writing magazine articles and textbooks on political ideas, people and processes – it has certainly been a diverse and unexpected few months in this area.”
What are your favourite places in Stamford?
“I enjoyed staying in the The Crown Hotel when visiting the school – they do a great breakfast. I had my first Stamford haircut in Beyond The Fringe on Broad Street and I’ll be going back; browsing in Walkers bookshop; snacks in the Arts Centre Coffee Shop; a takeaway lunch from the Stamford Deli. My daughters would spend all their pocket money on stationery in Colemans if they could. A mention also to Miss Pickering Flowers who has supplied us with some magnificent floral arrangements.