ONA WELCOME GEOFFREY STANFORD

established himself within the RGS

Community. From standing at the school gates to greet students every Wednesday morning, to cheering on various sports teams from the sidelines on cold autumnal afternoons and welcoming parents for afternoon tea, it was clear that he wanted to be both visible and accessible to everyone.

Students, parents and staff alike were delighted when, in January 2020, it was announced by the Governors that Geoffrey had been appointed as permanent Head. In the short time he had served the RGS, it was clear he was undoubtably the best person to take the helm as the school started a new decade and era.

But what exactly is it that makes Geoffrey Stanford the ideal candidate to lead our beloved school?

His career in education is certainly an impressive one. Prior to joining RGS, Geoffrey was Headmaster at the highly prestigious Fettes College in Edinburgh and, before this, had a Deputy Head role at Sevenoaks School in Kent. Mr Stanford –who started teaching at Millfield School –has taught Economics, Business Studies and Latin and spent nearly six years as a Boarding Housemaster and Head of Department at Pangbourne College. He has also served as a Governor of an ‘Outstanding’ State secondary school and The Dragon School in Oxford.

Having been educated at Eton, school was always an enriching time for Mr Stanford who received an Oppidan scholarship before going on to read Classics at St Hugh's College, Oxford. While it may have been inevitable that he would end up in education, Geoffrey has enjoyed multiple careers before this one, serving as a Captain in the Grenadier Guards and having worked for both The

Geoffrey Stanford has been a part of the RGS family since joining us in September 2019, when he was appointed as Interim Head.

Above: (Front) Geoffrey Stanford pictured at a mountain summit and in uniform on a CCF expedition, recalling his time in the British Army. Below: Geoffrey playing the French horn as part of a school orchestra In very little time, Mr Stanford firmly

Boston Consulting Group and Citigroup.

Mr Stanford is looking forward to what is to come at RGS, a place he describes as having ‘no typical day, only a rhythm’.”

While his professional career is one to be envied, it is perhaps his personal experiences and interests which really set him apart from others. An avid oarsman, Geoffrey has rowed for Eton, Sandhurst and the British Army at Henley. Even more impressive than this, he has taken part in a succession of expeditions to the Himalayas, including leading an international team to the summit of Mount Everest. A keen French horn player, the discipline has allowed him many opportunities such as playing the New World Symphony and Beethoven’s Eroica with his school’s orchestra. It was also a way to remain close to his family –wife Susanna and their two sons –who were based in Edinburgh during his first term at RGS, as the family would engage in French horn duets over the phone.

As we head into the summer term, Mr Stanford is looking forward to what is to come at RGS, a place he describes as having ‘no typical day, only a rhythm’.