Modern schooling can only be delivered by getting back to basics:

Retiring Headmaster Nigel Thorne looks back at how a school was transformed into a vibrant learning community

Nigel Thorne is proud of the transformation that St John’s College in Southsea has undergone since he took over the Headship in 2001. Reflecting on those achievements as he retires this year, Nigel Thorne suggests that the project which started out as a plan to improve the school in all aspects has resulted in giving it not only a strong identity, but also a heart and a soul. Certainly the success is evident in the fact that the school has been at full capacity both for day pupils and boarders for the last two years, and statistics show that there has been a 10% increase in the rate of GCSE passes and the high standards across A Level exams have been maintained. Given that St John’s College is not academically selective and welcomes children of all abilities, this points to something more than just an improvement in the standards of teaching and learning. Nigel Thorne describes himself as “an old fashioned school master”, and although his approach may seem old fashioned to some, his methods have brought about a modern and vibrant school where all the staff know each and every pupil by name. The pupils know that they can find their headmaster helping out with the lunch queue or patrolling the playground, where he is always happy to be approached. “My approach has always been, ‘Never be afraid to do it yourself,’” says Thorne. “I’d never ask the staff to do something that I wasn’t prepared to do myself, and when I saw that this school needed to get back to basics and get to know the pupils, I knew that the best way was to lead by example. To be honest, that’s where I am happiest, I got into teaching to make a difference and that starts with being there for the pupils.” Another area where the school has gone from strength to strength is in their extra-curricular activities. From sports teams to a political society, there are opportunities for every child to get involved. “I think sport has a valuable role to play in a child’s development, as it allows them to participate and be part of a team, and it can give confidence. It is important that we offer children who are perhaps not the most academic of pupils other avenues where they could excel.” Nigel Thorne’s approach appears to have worked, and the sports teams have excelled in many ways; their netball and cricket teams are very competitive locally and their rugby team has been rated as one of the top three in Hampshire. The school also offers children a chance to participate in one of the most vibrant school politics societies in the country, a dynamic drama programme, the only school based unit of Sea Cadets in the UK and the chance to sing in one of the two school choirs. “The boys chapel choir is a good example of the magic and motivation that comes out of this school,” says Thorne. “The choir has performed Evensong at prestigious cathedrals across the UK including Salisbury, Winchester, and Chichester, and has been Choir-in-Residence for a week at Canterbury, and will be fulfilling the same role at St Georges Chapel Windsor and Westminster Abbey in the summer. When you consider that 18 months ago the school didn’t have a choir, this is an amazing achievement.” There is no doubt that the school is - as Nigel Thorne describes it - “buzzing”, it’s a tangible atmosphere that touches everyone who walks through the gates. There is something more at the school than the “Outstanding” award they have received from OFSTED, and it is no wonder that Nigel Thorne will miss the lively campus. “It is the young people I will miss the most,” he says, “Those and the fantastic team I’ve had working with me to achieve this vision of the school as being the very best it could be to really make a difference to our pupil’s lives. I feel I have achieved what I set out to do with the school, and am confident that the new Head, Graham Best, will add a fresh perspective and a new energy to keep the school moving even further forward in the future.” Nigel struggled to find any negative experiences of his time at the school; “There have been highs and lows, successes and challenges, but I’ve loved it all. The only things I won’t miss are the paperwork which accompanies this role and the 100 mile daily round trip to my home in Salisbury.” He plans to keep in touch with the school and offer his advice and support where he can, and doesn’t plan on a quiet retirement. As well as working on his garden, enjoying some cricket at the Rose Bowl and following his beloved Saints – including showing his support to former St John’s College pupil Alex Chamberlain who has just signed with the team – Nigel is looking for new ways to direct his passion and enthusiasm for making a difference. “My daughter is just starting her career as a Maths teacher in Bristol, and so I feel like I am passing on that particular baton to her. To a certain extent, my decision to retire has been a leap of faith. I don’t have anything lined up yet, but I’m open to whatever opportunities come up and excited about whatever comes up next.” Whatever the future holds, it is certain that Nigel is unlikely to spend his retirement resting in an armchair and that whatever he turns his hand to next; he’s bound to make a difference. -Ends- Words: 918

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