independent schools
MEET THE HEAD TEACHER
Neil Brooks, Head Teacher at Cranleigh Preparatory School
How did you get into teaching and why? Having realised that I am not suited to the world of corporate business when I left the army, it became very apparent that I needed to get back into an institution. Hopefully one of choice, rather than one to which to which I was dragged kicking and screaming. Thankfully, I had done a full year teaching degree and friends who had left the services recommended education. I wrote to 112 different schools asking for and opening, five replied and agreed to see me despite not having a position at that time. I haven’t looked back.
What do you find the most challenging aspect of your profession? Trying to get parents to look at their child with honesty and openness that sees them as individuals rather than in the light that they would wish to shed upon them.
What would you change at school in terms of curriculum and amenities if you could get the budget you wanted? I would invest in a robotics laboratory for those who are that way inclined – the woodwork rooms of old are wonderful and quaint but are probably preparing children for retirement activities rather than the world of work. I would also expand the linguistic offering in the Prep School to cover more than just European languages. Any activity which requires teamwork, ingenuity and adaptable thought is worth investment, more so if it is outdoors.
What is your favourite moment of the year running a school? Any moment where you see the children have overcome a challenge through perseverance. The culmination is probably when a child has their transition to the next phase of their education confirmed. Throughout the year there are pinnacles of team and individual successes, plays and concerts and a myriad of other highs.
Do you miss teaching in the classroom? I still do when I can.
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What are your hobbies or passions? Family, friends, the outdoors, mountains, the sea, travel, reading, sport and cider (proper cider not the clear fizzy pop that they serve from a pump).
What other career would you have followed if you had not gone into teaching?
I feel very lucky to have been able to join the teaching profession. When my family and I were in Dorset we had some sheep and pigs and I quite fancied myself as a farmer. It still interests me but I can’t afford the land!
What educational changes do you hope to see in the future? I hope that educationalists we find a way to measure and appreciate the child’s humanity rather than simply relying on their ability to do verbal, non-verbal and and spatial reasoning. As important as academic prowess is a child’s ability to recognise their place in society and be able to interact successfully with other adults from all walks of life and all corners of the Earth.
CRANLEIGH PREP IN NUMBERS Junior school 155 girls 193 boys Senior school 232 girls 396 boys 75% A*to B in academic scholarship exams 7 new classrooms in 2017-18
£3.1 million recently invested in new buildings CPS sits on 40 acres of land
Cranleigh Prep School opened its doors to the very first pupil in 1913 14 sports played with 10 national titles won over last 5 years
SPORTS STARS 16 former pupils who are now playing international sports Contact: +44 (0)1483 273666 Website:
www.cranprep.org
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