I joined St John's as a weekly boarder in September 1990, spending my first two years in a ‘drafty’ dormitory – competition for beds by the radiators was fierce - of 16 boys on the top floor of what is now Gloucester House. Saturday School was the norm, finishing at 4.30pm with a short trip home returning for Sunday Chapel at 7.30pm.

Most afternoons were dedicated to sport, whatever the weather, and mandatory for all terms was CCF on Friday afternoon. Chapel played a large role in daily life every morning straight after registration, with the exception of Wednesday morning which was school assembly (where we all stood for 20 minutes in rows in what is now the Senior common room) and Friday morning which was house assembly in each house's common room.

Meals were a highlight as the food was deemed ‘pretty good’ with self-service recently implemented, although supper and breakfast had a huge rotary toaster manned by junior boys!  

‘Fagging’ was still a tradition for my first two years - a practice where younger boys acted as personal servants to the older boys. I recall as a table fag you had to wipe down the tables at the end of the meal and also clean the studies of prefects (a particularly unpleasant task!). The prefects handled the ‘out of hours’ disciplinary stuff with 'sweat sessions' (runs around the pitches) or the easier task of litter picking.

As with now, inter house rivalry was strong with the debating and house singing competitions being fiercely defended.  

Girls joined the school the year before me, and still only numbered nine girls to 60 boys by the time I reached Sixth Form. Although very outnumbered, I recall what an important played role they played as part of the school and held their own well!

I was there when Chris Tongue took over from David Browne as Headmaster. He brought in more modern approaches including the wearing of casual clothing change in the evenings and abolishing the junior boys’ tweed jackets, as well as the mandatory black Sunday suits.

What were the best bits?

I loved school which is remarkable given my lack of sporting or academic prowess. Great friendships, including a number of teachers, were made along with lifelong passions for classical music and modern language (and sponge pudding!).  I liked the small feeling (only 412 pupils in my first year), and the wonderful architecture. I was lucky to be a School Captain, my first real taste of responsibility and authority.  It was a great education in all thing’s ‘leadership’.

What were the worst bits?

My first year was very hard and I was terribly homesick. The senior boys were huge and terrifying, and I was far from athletic nor the fighting type. I developed a quick sense of humour and an ability to calm irate situations!  I also became very possessive of shower gel which might get 'nicked' from your locker, a trait that has stayed with me!

Where are you now?

I was lucky to spend my gap year in France at the exchange school teaching - this was arranged by the Head of Modern Languages, Barry Williams. This exposed me to more of France and I went on to live and work there for six years. 

I now run my own training and development consultancy. St John's helped me immensely and I am hugely grateful to the school.  It was not just the academic grounding we got, but the rounded approach to life and education. It opened doors to me and continues to do so to this day. I have stayed in touch with the school and others in the community, and served as Chair of the OJ Committee for eight years now.

Are you still in touch with your classmates?

Yes, I still see at least eight of my school friends regularly. Interestingly they were all day boys, so I feel they go off quite lightly...