Former Teacher Feature – Conrad Brewer

Former teacher feature

Conrad with two of his pets, Charlie and Bella, on a walk in the woods

Many of you may recognise former member of staff Conrad Brewer, who taught for 12 years at St Swithun’s from 1989 to 2001.

Leaving the state school system as head of maths, Conrad joined St Swithun’s to teach maths and further maths to all year groups. Quite early on in his time at St Swithun’s he was also sent on a course at Exeter University to specialise in statistics, which enabled future cohorts to have a broader grounding in maths at A-level.

Coming from a state school teaching background, it was a very different atmosphere at St Swithun’s: smaller classes, better resources and even an afternoon off! It was a welcome but significant change and Conrad settled in with the support of the then head, Joan Jefferson (now Lady Appleyard).

He has happy memories of watching horse racing in High House with his colleague Jan Bowes (High House housemistress at the time) and recalls another occasion when his purple sports car was covered in a flag on national No Smoking day as an encouragement for him to stop!

He is still in contact with other teachers from the time and exchanges Christmas cards with some. Conrad also enjoys coming back to visit on Old Girls’ Days and has been a regular since 2013.

Since leaving, he has continued to mark exam papers - something he has done since the 70s - only now they are done online instead of on paper. He also enjoys playing the piano every day and has fond memories of playing for himself on the wonderful piano in Bramston Hall (the former assembly hall, now the Bramston Library). Growing up as one of five boys, Conrad was always playing football and cricket and he was Captain of his university football team. He continued to play cricket for six years after retiring but has now swapped that for badminton and table tennis. And, if that wasn’t enough, he swims two or three miles a week as well!

At home, Conrad and his wife Lindsey have many pets to look after, including hens, cats, dogs and a horse. The lovely Bella (a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen) also works as a therapy dog locally when COVID restrictions aren’t in place.

It is always a pleasure to catch up with Conrad and we look forward to seeing him at the next Old Girls’ Day. ■