Meet the Head

Alastair Thomas has been Headmaster at The Manor Preparatory School, Abingdon since January

2018 having previously been Headmaster at The Elms School, Colwall, Worcestershire. In his earlier career he covered a range of teaching roles including Head of French and Latin and teacher of Maths, English, History and Sport. Mr Thomas read French at King’s College London.

In his time at The Manor Preparatory School he has introduced several initiatives to promote positive mental health and wellbeing, has developed the extra-curricular programme to cater for a wider range of interests, and increased the sporting provision and wrap around care provided – as well as tackle a Global pandemic!

Mr Thomas kindly took some time out of his busy day to answer Families Oxfordshire Magazine’s questions.

1. What and / or who inspired you to become a teacher and later a headteacher?

My grandfather was a Headteacher of a Primary School. That was an inspiration for me, as were the teachers who I looked up to throughout my time in school. I was always impressed by those who went above and beyond for the children.

2. What does being a headteacher of a school mean to you?

Being a Headteacher is a huge privilege. It gives you the opportunity to shape your school and to lead a community who want to make a real difference in the lives of young people.

3. How do you think a headteacher of a school can make a real difference to an individual student?

By helping each child to reach their potential and to identify their strengths and talents through providing opportunity in as many areas as possible.

4. What advice would you give to parents looking at private education for the first time?

In my view, private education should enable every child to reach their potential both academically and in every area of school life; independent education genuinely focuses on the whole child. When considering schools, I would advise parents to look at the breadth of opportunity offered to the children and think about the experience as a whole; these years will shape their childhood. When it comes to making a decision, there is no better measure of a school than gut feel; visit a selection and trust your instincts!

5. How affected do you feel pupils have been by the recent pandemic?

One of the biggest challenges that pupils have faced during the pandemic is the disruption to their daily routine. They have also missed out on so many forms of social contact. I believe that children learn as much from social interaction at a young age as they do from formal lessons and for the youngest in our schools, this has represented a significant challenge upon the return to the classroom. Learning to compromise and to share within a school is very different from a home environment.

6. Since becoming Headteacher at Manor Prep in January 2018 you have been instrumental in extending the Forest School, introducing Mindfulness to the curriculum and developing the extensive extracurricular programme on offer. Which of these do you think has had the most positive impact on your pupils?

All of the initiatives that we have developed have had a positive impact and the specific benefits will depend on each individual child and family. I am very proud of the extracurricular programme that we have put in place; recognising the importance of offering variety and identifying areas of interest for the children as well as supporting busy working families.

7. During the first lockdown in July 2020 you had your daughters cut your hair to raise money The Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, impressively raising over £1,600. At the time you said it was ‘not an experience I would necessarily wish to repeat’! Have you let them near you with the clippers since?

Absolutely nowhere near me but then I have not let my hair grow to such lengths again either!

8. What is your real-life superpower?

This is a really challenging question! I have a very good memory and I pride myself on being able to remember people and names. This is made easier because I am genuinely interested in people, whatever age they are!

9. Relaxing holiday or active holiday?

Depends on the mood and the time of year! I like both!

Situated in Abingdon, the Manor Preparatory School is an independent co-educational day school that welcomes children aged 2-11.

The school has a wonderfully happy, creative atmosphere where every individual is valued and nurtured to reach their potential. The Manor’s most recent ISI Inspection saw the school receive the highest possible rating of ‘Excellent’ in all areas. Inspectors commented that “Pupils approach every day with an overwhelming passion to learn and develop.”

This is in part due to the exceptionally caring and invigorating tone of the school, where laughter is an essential part of the school day. Children’s personal development is further strengthened by staff who act as excellent role models.

Every child is encouraged to push themselves to new challenges and fulfil their potential, resulting in outstanding results academically, on the sports field, and in the creative and performing arts.

For further information, please visit our website www.manorprep.org or contact Mrs Nicole Burroughs, on 01235 858462 or admissions@manorprep.org.

Abingdon Abingdon, Oxfordshire

Individual visits available on request