Feature: Thank a Teacher Day

Thank a Teacher Day

In recognition of National Thank a Teacher Day on 20th May, we posted a simple photo on our OR social media pages of a few familiar faces from Reed’s. Sadly we didn’t have space to feature every teacher in the collage, but that did not stop friends from across the community contributing some wonderful comments. In a year when the teaching profession has had to face unparalleled challenges, it seems only right to celebrate how much #TeamReeds are appreciated.

Miles Harris (Bristowe 2019)

Mr Norman what a legend, hockey and history guru!

Caroline Seymour (former parent)

I know I’m a former parent but I must say thank you. There are so many amazing, incredible teachers and families who were all intrinsic in helping to bring-up my son and see him turn from a boy to a man. Something I will be eternally grateful for. There is one very special, patient, understanding and incredible man who supported us and that’s Alex Balls – he is our Reed’s Hero.

Jamie Woodward (Blathwayt 2005)

Wow so many to mention, but for me the best teachers I had were Mr & Mrs Wakefield; Derek was my all-time favourite and I can’t forget the big man himself, David Jarrett. We had a very interesting relationship as I wasn’t always the model student but he made sure I came away understanding the word ‘repercussion’ and having achieved as much as I could.

Emre Aktas (Mullens 1995)

Paul Davies! Best teacher I had at Reed’s who really encouraged my passion for History!

Siân Rowland (Mullens 1986)

Some teachers were slightly perplexed by how to deal with the very few girls at Reed’s during my time, but I couldn’t have asked for a better (and more lenient) housemaster than Mr Martin. I loved A Level French with Mr King and English with Mr Prince who called me a ‘Bluestocking’ which I had to go away and look up! Happy days.

Emma Beamish (Blathwayt 2001)

I was part of the first full year of girls in the 6th form. All of the teachers were brilliant I cannot thank Reed’s staff enough for their incredibly supportive culture whilst always having time for a laugh. Not to mention the sport that has made me the sports woman I still am today. Love you guys x

Graham Milton (Blathwayt 2004)

A wall of legends. It must be the sign of a good team when it only feels like a couple of years ago.

Paul Siira-Tharme (Capel 2004)

Too many to mention on an individual basis so its collective thanks from me, but a sincere one. I am very grateful for all the efforts that formed my Reed’s experience. Thank you all.

Nick Gray (Blathwayt 1993)

It’s a long list but the main person I would really like to thank (and can’t find any contact details for) is Mr Andrew Watson (Art). He advised me not to go to art college, even though he was my tutor and art teacher... saying that I would end up doing something creative but earn more than being a fine artist. He was so right, but at the time I didn’t talk to him for about a month. I owe him a big thank you and an apology. I loved it at Reed’s. Thank you all and Andrew Reed himself for helping us get on and make friends for life.

Pete Bassett (Capel 1982)

I was lucky enough to be taught by seven of these magnificent people.

Chris Bramley (Blathwayt 1995)

Geoff Daniel is the reason I’m an author. He believed in a small, different, troubled kid where I didn’t in myself. He has my eternal thanks.

Robert Beaton (Bristowe 1998)

I want to thank so many great teachers. Mr Coulson: an incredibly talented man, with a rare knack of encouraging so many at Reed’s – to not just succeed at, but crucially, persevere with their music.

Harry Simons (Mullens 2004)

All heroes with endless patience. Thank you! I may have left 16 years ago now but still learning lessons from these incredible people that helped shape who I am today.

Giles House (Capel 2000)

Many great teachers during my spell, but a few standouts: Geoff Daniels, 6th Form Housemaster and Tommy Jones, Physics.

Leo Coates (Bristow 2005)

Every teacher I encountered at Reed’s, even if they weren’t my specific teacher, was amazing. I think the main factor is that we were treated like young adults which went a huge way in how we carried on in life after leaving. Can’t praise the School highly enough and still think about how many great times were had!

Tom Murdoch (former Teacher of English)

Teaching at Reed’s did so much for me personally and professionally and taught me what dedication to the job looks like. An amazing standard across the board, some absolute classroom legends (many but not all of whom are pictured) and a wonderful common room. I encountered many a great student too – all now ORs – who helped make for fun and caring school culture. Looking forward to returning once the world has righted itself...

Rachel Corbould (Mullens 2006)

Mrs Hart

Bill Haswell (Mullens 1989)

Whey hey! Thanks to, David Prince, Geoff Martin, Richard ‘Rome’ Garrett, Gary Kirkham, Basil Green, Richard Nicholson, Ian Funnel, Keith Youde, Ian Clapp, Bob Bullard, Christine Holt, Ed Harrison and Sister Kiehne for fixing us up!

Alan Lam (Bristowe 2005)

I don’t necessarily want mention anyone specifically but I do want to say thank you to ALL Reed’s staff who’ve had a significant impact upon my life and express my gratitude and appreciation. Thank you.

Omar Al-Saffar (Mullens 2013)

Thanks for everything!

Tim Mather (Blathwayt 1995)

Rev Brian Close... legend of a teacher and an inspiration. The complete package.

Tom Murdoch (former Teacher of English)

Teaching at Reed’s did so much for me personally and professionally and taught me what dedication to the job looks like. An amazing standard across the board, some absolute classroom legends (many but not all of whom are pictured) and a wonderful common room. I encountered many a great student too – all now ORs – who helped make for fun and caring school culture. Looking forward to returning once the world has righted itself...

Patricia Wheeler

I am a past parent and I cannot thank the School and the wonderful staff enough. I don’t want to single anyone out in particular but from our first meeting with the school I have very fond memories of Mr Warnock and Mr & Mrs Hearle who showed great compassion coupled with just the right amount of discipline. Thank you to all the staff, very special people xx

Paul Jessop (Blathwayt 1991)

So many great teachers in my era of late 1980s and early 90s. Mr Garrett, Mr Hewitt, Mr Hearle, Mr Selby, Mr Clapp, Miss Thorne to name but a few – interesting I don’t know most of their first names!

Nick Way (Mullens 1992)

Mr Hoskins and Mr Hall, Housemasters of The Close circa 1984-85, made very positive impressions on me. Fond memories of all our teachers at Reed’s.

Bryn Nathan (Capel 1977)

Thank you to Tom Steadman, my Housemaster and hero, and to Rodney Exton, my Headmaster who gave me my first Lord’s Test Match ticket!

Harry Charrington (Mullens 2008)

Luke Michael, always there for advice or just a laugh when you needed it! Hero!

Ollie Weguelin (Bristowe 2006)

So many legends. Huge influences and a lot of great mentors through my years there.

Morgan Males (Blathwayt 2018)

Too many to mention, they’re all heroes, but the Dunn, Balls, Michael, Edwards, Hart and Medlycott families will always be remembered with endless laughs and valuable lessons learnt from every individual. Mrs Millington too, my school mum, who made sure I was happy and organised. Thanks to all the teachers that make it the incredible place it is!

Seb Horst (Blathwayt 2009)

Too many names to mention; thanks to all who made my years there unforgettable.

Peter Chislett (Blathwayt 1977)

John Savage and Eric Hearle (Housemaster and Deputy of Blathwayt) both treated me with great respect; as a boarder I could not have asked for better people to have in charge.

Georgina Sheedy-Collier (Mullens 2009)

Thanks you lovely lot!

Harry Simons (Mullens 2004)

All heroes with endless patience. Thank you! I may have left 16 years ago now but still learning lessons from these incredible people that helped shape who I am today.

Bryn Nathan (Capel 1977)

Thank you to Tom Steadman, my Housemaster and hero, and to Rodney Exton, my Headmaster who gave me my first Lord’s Test Match ticket!

Will Hitchcock (Blathwayt 2008)

The Kemps... absolute legends.

Christian Williamson (Mullens 2015)

Medders, Waller, Jolly, Murdoch and Balls, you’re all great.