4 minute read
Swapping Chairs
from The Exonian
The Exonian sat down in May 2021 to chat to both the newly retired Andrew King, who had been our Chair of Governors since 1999, and James Gaisford, the man to take his place. We interviewed Mr King and Mr Gaisford to find out their views on their job, the school and their daily life.
ANDREW KING
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What has been the highlight of your career as governor of Exeter School? The mere fact of being so involved in the school was good. Founders’ Day is very moving. I went to Exeter Junior School, and understand how lengthy Founders’ Day can seem, but now I recognise the value of it!
What has been the most striking change to the school since you began in 1999? Girls joining the school. Originally, I was hugely opposed, mainly due to St
by JOANNA REYNOLDS
Margaret’s and The Maynard (the other girls’ schools in Exeter at the time), and thought the balance would be upset; then I became a governor and decided that co-education was the best thing that has ever happened to the school!
What are you going to miss most about the Exeter School community? The welcoming and friendly nature, the intelligence, and the generosity and warmth of the community.
After your time at Exeter School, what hobbies would you like to spend more time pursuing? I am a hopeless golfer! I would also like to play more tennis and read much more.
How did you feel about the school’s progress during the pandemic and lockdown? I felt bad that pupils were missing out on the benefits of the end of their time at school. I also felt sorry for Ms Simpson, as she was beginning in this difficult time, and the rest of the staff – especially Mr Griffin missing out on a full, final year at the school.
However, I feel the pupils and staff worked extremely well to overcome the challenge. Is there anything you took for granted before the pandemic that you are looking forward to starting again? The Christmas concert in Exeter Cathedral and other school concerts are what I missed the most – I can’t wait for them to be back.
JAMES GAISFORD
What are you planning to do with the role as Chair of Governors; are there any particular changes that you would like to initiate? A governor’s main role is to look at the overall future of the school. I am looking forward to the addition of The New School, in a separate location, and to working with the Head – Ms Simpson is bringing lots of changes in a balanced way. I am looking forward to a fresh start and the school getting back to normal. I’m also excited to oversee the development of the site, such as having more pedestrianisation and improving the physical environment of the school.
What characteristics of the Exeter School community do you value the most? We strive to be ambitious academically but also have a varied life, with a rounded education – we strive for the whole piece, not just academic aspects. We aim high, but we are modest about it.
How does your financial experience as a chartered accountant support your work as a governor? Hugely. Governors split into
ANDREW BUTLER
committees; my area of expertise is finance. We need to understand financial forecasts and leave sufficient funds – every now and then we have a donor (such as with the swimming pool), but the majority is the school’s money. We gave discounts on fees over lockdown, but we also needed to keep the school going. Teachers worked harder over lockdown.
Is there anything you took for granted before the pandemic that you are looking forward to starting again? I missed the special occasions such as school trips, the Christmas atmosphere, sporting events and watching the development of pupils discovering their interests through music or school plays. I’m also looking forward to meeting people live! It’s hard to chat to someone without a reason nowadays, with the world of Zoom. However, I must admit there were some positives of the solitude of lockdown: I discovered east Devon through cycling, as well as stumbling upon walks I never knew about before.
Having seen the impact of the pandemic on the school community, how far-reaching can you see the school being affected, especially of the temporary changes, on the school? I am very hopeful and optimistic that ‘new normal’ will resume soon in terms of finances. I was nicely surprised by how able parents were to adapt. We’re planning to continue investing in the school.
Finally, what advice would you give your fourteen-year-old self? Mr Gaisford: Know yourself. What do you enjoy? What are you good and bad at? Recognise an opportunity when it comes to you. Be of a mindset to choose them. Take risks. Don’t worry. Life will sort itself out. Friendship groups, fitting in, subjects, universities... Aim high, but don’t worry. Life is fun, to be lived; be cheerful. Your mental health is really important. Feeling good about yourself is vital. You won’t always feel good, but be kind to yourself. Bad times will pass.
Mr King agreed with Mr Gaisford, adding: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask. People are very kind; they want to help.
