Staff Departures

David Robbins

Most people, most of the time don’t refer to schools as multi-million pound businesses, but that is what they are, albeit we rightly steer away from words like, ‘conveyor belt’ or ‘product’. As the second biggest employer in the Petersfield area after Whitman Laboratories, managing Churcher’s as a business is no mean feat and the ‘Chief Operating Officer’ keeping the juggernaut running true, for a prodigious quarter of a century has been David Robbins.

During this time, the school has undergone some remarkable changes, not least in growth both in the number of people and acreage. When David arrived there were 700 pupils in the school, 137 in the Junior School and 563 in the Senior School; as he leaves it will be 1,226, of which 233 will be on the extra 14 acres of land and buildings in Liphook which David has to manage; acquired in 2004 and housing the Junior School. With almost one thousand children in the Senior School, the extra playing fields at Penns Place and the consequential substantial increase in staff, David’s job has just got tougher and tougher.

But David has never been afraid of a challenge, including wearing Lycra in public. David is also an international triathlete and has the GB triathlete kit to prove it. Most triathletes are renowned for a single-minded determination to battle through the pain of the event in pursuit of ultimate glory. David certainly is determined, but there is none of the single-mindedness or pursuit of glory, nor the “you’re fired” fire and brimstone of Alan Sugar when he wears his business hat either. David has achieved so much by a collaborative approach; investing his heart and soul in Churcher’s and with his wife Linda as Junior School Librarian, and children Emily, Andrew and Michael all enjoying hugely impressive school careers here, there is no doubt that David has lived and breathed Churcher’s. Its success is a consequence of his tremendous financial acumen, his patience with all and his quiet persistence to encourage the juggernaut in the right direction.

David understands people as much as he does spreadsheets. If success is simply measured by numbers then David comes out on top, but in a school success is measured in more diverse and subtle ways, not least in the smiles of children, their parents and staff faces. Over 25 years David has been the cause of many an excuse to smile; so much that has been achieved, so many opportunities and experiences enjoyed are a consequence of David’s brilliant touch as Bursar.

Linda Robbins

Linda Robbins has been a vital component of Churcher’s Library since 1999, when she joined the Senior School, subsequently moving to the Junior School in 2007. The Library at the Junior School has had many forms under Linda, the first version of the Liphook site library was a hall with room dividers, the library was then moved to the “bungalow” and then most recently our purpose-built beautiful library facility. During this time, she has worked for two Senior School and three Junior School Headteachers and she has lived through all the changes and improvements to the buildings, the new Junior School, the new Nursery and many staff changes. Linda describes Churcher’s as her life and family since 1996 when her husband David joined the staff, with all three of Linda’s children having been through the school.

We are grateful for Linda’s work over the recent years with her help and leading Accelerated Reading as well as her invaluable energy in joining in and working on Book Week and Book Days. She will be long remembered for her Book Week appearance as Gangsta Granny, complete with wetsuit, goggles and a handbag wrapped in clingfilm! Linda will start her retirement competing with Team GB (Triathlons) in September - the Valencia European Triathlon Championships - and hopes to visit Australia (Covid permitting) to see daughter Emily. We wish Linda every happiness.

David Cave

Ian Crossman was once challenged to make an on-the-spot translation of an English idiom on behalf of myself in front of an audience of the great and good of the town of Warendorf in Germany. Ian, I think, was spot on, the gathered throng seemed to understand. The idiom goes ‘Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them can make an everlasting impression’.

It is clear from the torrent of correspondence I received, as the tragic news about David got out, that David made the most significant and lasting impression on so, so many and very much to the good. Ian Knowles penned the following short epilogue to David’s career at Churcher’s before we lost David. I know there will now be lengthy eulogies aplenty about a person that was clearly hugely admired by us all but, being such a modest man, David would suggest his time amongst us should be recognised through his passion and not through him. As such, when the time is right, we will have a celebration of David’s life through poetry, prose and probably the odd dram of whiskey. For now I leave you with Ian and a few snippets of David the teacher.

Mr S Williams

David is a man of few words but when he speaks, people listen. His understated, no fuss and no nonsense approach, together with his impressive academic credentials and dry sense of humour have made him hugely well respected within the Churcher’s Common Room and amongst the pupil body. Even after such a long career his passion for the English language still burns bright and he is at his happiest in the classroom dissecting a poem or a passage from a novel.

An academic heavyweight, Dr Cave made significant contributions to two key initiatives for the most able Churcherians – The Academy and the Extended Project Qualification. As Head of The Academy for several years David kept a watchful eye over our high attainers and ensured they were mentally stimulated. He also helped to launch and run the EPQ at Churcher’s before handing it over to Mr Hill, though he continued to be a key member of the EPQ team and Mr Hill greatly valued his judgement in the marking and moderation of the final projects.

As one would expect he is a spelling, punctuation and grammar stickler. I once made the mistake of suggesting that he had made a punctuation error when including the novel ‘Tis a Pity She’s a Whore in a Sixth Form Prospectus entry. He politely explained my mistake with the tiniest of smiles and I was suitably chastised. I never challenged him again. Even Mr Crossman wouldn’t take on Dr Cave in a punctuation argument.

Mr Seal and Mr Baker will be sad to see Dr Cave go as well. As a loyal and dedicated Collingwood Sixth Form Tutor, David has helped countless students navigate their A Level studies, providing wise counsel and sound advice on their university applications. A highlight for me was the U6 Collingwood Leavers Video of 2014 masterminded by Bret Cameron where David starred in the opening scene. As Eminem’s Lose Yourself played in the background, Dr Cave swept through the staff room in slow motion, scooped up the contents of his pigeon hole and, after a bored flick through the various notes and letters, dropped them with disdain into the bin outside the clock tower on his way to registration in 309.

David’s one error of judgement is arguably his lifelong dedication to West Ham, although with their best ever top flight finish last season, and consequently their qualification for the Europa League, maybe his lifetime of support has been bearing fruit for them.

Dr Cave, even the name is almost iconic, and has become synonymous with extraordinary scholarship and a deep-seated passion to inspire all with a love of English language and literature. His legacy is long-lived through all of us who have been inspired by him both inside the classroom and out.

Susie Arnold

It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of a colleague passing. Susie Arnold passed away in September leaving a much-loved family, both at home and amongst the Churcher’s community.

Susie seemed to live and breathe drama and had over 11 years’ involvement with Churcher’s as a parent and LAMDA teacher. She started teaching LAMDA at Churcher’s College in 2007 as a single teacher for 25 girls and boys from the Senior School in Petersfield. The very first exam session was held in the Summer Term 2008 featuring Verse and Prose Grade One exams before moving on to Acting exams the next year.

As interest and take-up of LAMDA grew, so did the team with Zoe joining Susie and the beginning of the annual Churcher’s performances at the Godalming Speech and Drama Festival every March. Susie’s talent for teaching and passion for drama was evident in the large number of trophies and cups her pupils were awarded during this time. The team would continue to grow with the addition of Jenny and Suzanne and 139 pupils participating in LAMDA lessons across the Senior School. When Susie retired in 2019 she mentioned a high point of her time at Churcher’s was the huge number of students who had reached their Grade Eight Gold Medal Acting exam, something that is recognised by UCAS, and what a far cry it was from her little First Years taking their first Verse and Prose exams all those years ago. When all the world is crumbling around your ears; whatever the disaster at one’s door; however badly something is going there are those who just seem to rise above all the chaos and see the positives when no positives appear to exist. With a perpetually reassuring smile, a “never mind, dear” or a “it will be alright on the night”, Susie was one of life’s perpetual glass half-full people, which is why the children (and adults) at Churcher’s loved her so much. She will be sorely missed by the entire Churcher’s community.

Linda Blackman

An English teacher by trade, Linda Blackman joined Churcher’s in 2003 as a part-time teacher of pupils with specific learning difficulties. Such was her instant rapport with pupils and colleagues alike, her role quickly grew: a year later, she was promoted to Special Needs Coordinator, and then full-time Head of Curriculum Support. What made Linda such a standout member of staff, was her significant contribution to both the academic and pastoral sides of school life.

In 2011 she acquired a diploma, at merit, in counselling children and adolescents, thus providing Churcher’s with an in-house counselling provision rarely matched by other schools. Often working oneto-one with pupils, who did not always find school straightforward, Linda, with her varied skillset, attributes and talents, was adept at boosting self-esteem, deploying all-important strategies and, in the simplest terms, making individuals feel better about themselves and equipping them to succeed and make the most of their ability. Added to this, Linda was the architect of numerous innovations: a carefully devised screening programme, handwriting and spelling clubs, ASDAN and Gold Award and exam anxiety workshops to name but a few. Her oversight of exam access arrangements was managed with unstinting integrity, fairness, as well as her customary eye for detail and accuracy.

In summary, as a much admired and respected colleague, Linda’s professionalism, dry sense of humour, her penchant for a handwritten note, but above all else her devoted care and support for her pupils will be sorely missed by all members of the Churcher’s community, and we wish her well for her retirement.

Peter Beard

Peter Beard began his Churcher’s journey 12 years ago as a visiting hockey coach; he had an instant impact, with his passion and creative coaching approach. When the opportunity arose five years ago to become a full-time teacher, the school jumped at the chance to capture his energy towards all areas of the sporting curriculum, on and off the pitch. Initially Peter had the role of Head of Swimming, which saw an increase in participation rates and performance with successful campaigns at the national relay finals and Bath Cup.

However, Peter’s passion has always been for hockey and as Head of Hockey, with his high level of coaching and vision for ‘forward, fast, first’ hockey, the sport has thrived, with increased participation rates and high-level performance achieved across many age groups, with strong links with Havant Hockey Club and other neighbouring clubs. Peter has instilled a love for the sport in hundreds of children, some of whom have adopted ongoing participation in the sport after leaving Churcher’s. A real highlight was the 2019 U15 Independent Schools cup run which resulted in the boys achieving the highest honours as National Champions. He will be sorely missed by pupils and staff alike for his constant enthusiasm and passionate approach to physical education. We wish him luck as he develops his career and educational experience at the Royal School.

Lee Edwards

Lee Edwards joined Churcher’s College in 2001 to assume the role of Physics technician, deploying her wealth of experience and technical expertise to support the teaching staff. 19 years later, we will remember Lee for her tremendous efforts in helping us teach the many wonderful pupils in Physics and her innovative ways of using new and old apparatus in different ways, including during lockdown. With the STEAMship and electronics clubs, Lee was an integral part of the extra-curricular programme which many of the students have enjoyed after school or during lunchtimes over many years. Lee has loved her own project on Open Days where she would transform one of our laboratories into a mini Solar System, complete with music, ambient lighting and plenty of enthusiasm! Both young visitors and parents/grandparents would marvel at the spectacle on offer and Lee would provide a guided tour of Jupiter, Saturn and of course the Earth! Lee is looking forward to spending more time with her grand-daughter and travelling the world with her husband, building and sharing good memories.

Maggie Grimes

Maggie Grimes joined Churcher’s in 2002 and became a key member of our Pink Ladies Team. The Sixth Form Centre at Ramshill was the main area of responsibility for Maggie and working closely with another former staff member Sue Cross, they established a very strong team covering the housekeeping duties in a friendly, supportive and most efficient manner. Indeed, at each Sixth Form leavers day they were both presented with a selection of gifts by the students. This form of support provided by Maggie and Sue endeared themselves to many of our former Sixth Formers who I am sure fondly remember those days in Ramshill including the large quantities of toast consumed at the morning break. Even an unfortunate fox that got stuck in the Ramshill lawn football netting was rescued by Maggie one morning. Maggie’s daughter Claire has retained the family connection by also being a current member of our Pink Ladies team. With two dogs and four grandchildren plus a caravan in Devon it is evident that Maggie will continue to be very busy in her life after Churcher’s. We all wish you well for the future.

Elena Hall

Modern Languages said a fond farewell to Elena Hall, who after 22 years working as a language assistant in the Spanish Department, has bid us “adiós” to enjoy her welldeserved retirement. During her time at Churcher’s, Elena has been a charismatic and energetic assistant, with unparalleled knowledge of Spanish culture and current affairs. She has been untiring in her efforts to prepare students for their speaking exams, particularly at AS and A Level. She was always so generous to share the wealth of her knowledge on so many different topics related to Spain and South America. We are all indebted to her for bringing such energy and sense of fun to the Department. Elena has been instrumental in organising au pair placements in Valencia for our Sixth Formers, as well as developing an unofficial role as “auntie” to our annual French and German assistants, taking the time to chat to them and to nurture their confidence and happiness when in school.

David Heath

David arrived at Churcher’s in 2016 having previously been at Alton School, where he held a key Sixth Form role. His interest in teaching and learning and pupil progress was immediately evident and he quickly became actively involved in academic committees and working groups. Unsurprisingly for an Art teacher, David was particularly interested in the importance of creativity and this was a theme in his dealings with the students, particularly the older ones as they looked to prepare themselves for life beyond Churcher’s. Amongst other artistic contributions to the Lower Sixth Enrichment programme for example, David devised and delivered a very popular course entitled “Creativity: Why Do We Need It?”. We were hugely grateful to David when he agreed to step in as Acting Head of Art following Mr Saralis’s retirement last summer. Many GCSE and A Level students were worried about Mr Saralis leaving and how this would affect their grades but Mr Heath steadied the ship and inspired confidence in the exam groups. Their grades at the end of this year are testament to the excellent job that he did.

David made other notable contributions to school life outside the Art Department, as an active member of the OSCA team and even as school photographer, a job which has left quite a legacy in the various Churcher’s publications and archives. David was also a dedicated Grenville Sixth Form Tutor. Kind and attentive to his personal tutees, he always had their best interests at heart. David moves on to run the Art Department at Wells Cathedral School and we wish him every success and happiness in his new role.

Gemma Heath

Hundreds of Churcher’s Art students have been taught, counselled and inspired by Mrs Heath since she joined in 2009; indeed, she is the reason that many went on to study Art at A Level and beyond. An exceptionally talented artist, Gemma’s kind and empathetic approach to teaching made her hugely popular with her students. She always put the pupils first and always had time for them, no matter what time of the day they needed help; it was a very common sight to see Gemma guiding and helping them in between lessons to get their work finished. Whilst Gemma largely took responsibility for the Lower Sixth course, every Spring, as the portfolio deadline approached and tensions rose, Gemma’s reassuring presence eased the pressure as Fifth and Upper Sixth students’ creative juices ran dry. She listened to their problems and calmly put them back on the right track. Many would not have got there were it not for Mrs Heath! Teaching Art lessons remotely during lockdown was tricky, but Gemma’s passion for her subject shone through as she continued to inspire setting imaginative and engaging tasks for pupils to complete at home. We wish Gemma all the very best for the future.

Charlotte Lilley

Back in 2009, Charlotte joined the English Department on a oneterm contract, soon extended to a permanent part-time position and then in 2016, much to everyone’s delight, Charlotte became a full-time member of staff. First and foremost, she is a superb English teacher; the pupils that find themselves fortunate to be taught by her thrive in her care and her determination to get the very best out of them knows no limits. She is held in high esteem by all who know her; her wickedly dry sense of humour, as well as her down-toearth practicality and no-nonsense approach, will be sorely missed, especially by her colleagues in the Department who count themselves lucky to have had the opportunity to work so closely with her over the years. Charlotte takes on the role of Head of English and Media at The Royal School, and whilst it may be a cliché to say that The Royal’s gain is very much our loss, it is also true. We wish her every success in her new adventure.

Jean Millard

It is difficult to know which has more impact: being a parent of a child in a school or being a teacher at a school for over 33 years; both require the most significant investment of time, energy, effort and emotion. Jean Millard has been both, parent to Howard who left in 2011 and Biology teacher, Head of Department, Head of Faculty, Pastoral Form and Personal Tutor, Sports Coach and lately the Senior Teacher (Staff). In all her roles Jean has had a hugely positive impact and influence on all she has taught and guided through their teenage years but in her senior management roles she has likewise been such a positive force for those who also do the guiding. Jean has always shown a most healthy mix of personal and corporate ambition, with a liberal sprinkling of pragmatism.

The mantra for many a Biologist is Darwin’s ‘survival of the fittest’ but that suggests a cut-throat, dog-eatdog process of education. Jean’s approach, however, was more parallel evolution where individuality was encouraged, supported and celebrated. Not all are budding scientists but few, if any, passed through her or the Faculty’s charge without gaining an appreciation of and reward from their exposure to Churcher’s Science.

When it comes to individuality, Jean had that in bucket loads as well. Never content to simply do as others do, Jean was the inspiration behind many a new initiative. Through her attempts to make everyone a member of the ‘Mini Club of GB’ she has certainly encouraged and inspired many in her and her husband’s support of the MND charity efforts. After 33 years one leaves as much an imprint on a place as a place has on one; that Science is top of the league table when it comes to A Level subject choices is probably one of Jean’s greatest legacies.

Moira Noble

Moira Noble joined Churcher’s in 2015 as PA to the Head of Junior School and in January 2021 also took on Junior School & Nursery Admissions. During Moira’s time at Churcher’s the school has changed greatly, as the new middle school building and the nursery opened, with an increase in the numbers of children and families. In her role at the heart of the school Moira most enjoyed the chance to get to know the children, particularly the little ones who have such a sense of awe and wonder at the simplest of things. Moira particularly enjoyed working with Jo Tremlett and Ffion Robinson because they shared a sense of humour as well as a love of chocolate and cake, all three of which are essential when there are tricky times! Moira will miss the close team she works with, Jo’s continuous supply of cups of coffee and tea – she will now have to make her own! Retirement will give Moira the chance to spend time in the outdoors in her garden, exercising, walking and cycling, travelling (when it is allowed!) and seeing much more of her family and friends – she is planning lots of adventures and we wish her well in all of them!

Teresa Robins

For most of the 26 years that Teresa Robins was a member of our Pink Ladies team she was the face of the ‘Pound’, the Churcher’s lost property service. A number of charities have benefited to the tune of £13.5k from the 50p charge required for pupils to be reunited with lost kit and bags. This friendly service enabled Teresa to get to know and chat with thousands of Churcher’s pupils over the years and as you might expect some were more frequent visitors than others. Although strictly only open at break and lunch times Teresa would often reunite bags and kit with worried pupils ahead of lessons and games during the day to complete this unique service. The New College staff room was another work base for Teresa which included numerous staff coffee mugs neatly arranged and freshly washed and arranging fresh flowers in key locations was another of her much-appreciated duties. She was a friend to many and her support continued during the recent Covid lockdown periods with home baking supplies being delivered to school and enjoyed by the staff on site. In addition to baking, knitting, crochet and gardening will keep Teresa busy for many years to come and we wish her a long and enjoyable retirement from Churcher’s.

Paul Shipley

Paul Shipley (or ‘Shippers’) leaves us after 9 years of service as an Economics teacher. In the classroom he has had many years of success with his Economics classes, always pushing them to work harder. He led teams very successfully in the Bank of England Target 2.0 competition and inspired students with his love for monetary policy. Ever the professional, his students could expect tests from him even on the last day of term. He has also made very valued contributions to the new GCSE Business course and the EPQ programme.

Shippers was also a longstanding member of Nelson House, having been a Form Tutor to a wide range of age groups. He organised the annual Nelson House curry night, which only a global pandemic could scupper! I will also remember his Form’s enthusiastic campaigning in the EU Referendum, which had a significant impact on the overall result (no doubt inspired by his political leniencies).

Although we all know him as a lifelong supporter of Birmingham City, Shippers has shown his skills and talents in many sports, not least by coaching rugby for many years. He has also pursued his own sport goals by becoming a very capable swimmer and completing a Half Ironman. With sons Liam and Noel both having left it will seem strange not having a ‘Shippers’ around, but we will all remember his humour, straight talking honesty and periodical whole staff emails. Thank you for everything you have done and we wish you all the best for your life in Italy.

Jane Smith

Jane Smith joined our Pink Ladies team in 2004 and since then has been a key member of our cleaning and caretaking staff, with specific responsibility for the Sports Hall and Old College. Being very much part of the caretaking staff team and helping with many event set ups has been a feature of her time at Churcher’s. From staging to seating for plays and concerts Jane has worked in a friendly and efficient way to support the busy range of school activities. Jane looks forward to spending her retirement with her husband, family and her three grandchildren. Jane has been ever present over the last 17 years and we will miss your sense of humour and smile but wish you well for the future.

Linda Tebb

Linda joined Churcher’s in 2017 as our Accounts Assistant and quickly settled into the Finance Team. Dealing with suppliers, contractors, staff, invoices and associated queries Linda has overseen circa £60m of expenditure in her four years, all of which needed recording and logging with a keen eye for the detail as an essential skill. She has indeed been a huge asset to the Finance Team. For Linda an energetic retirement awaits with her love for hiking and costal trail walks taking the fore in all the weather conditions that the British climate offers. We wish her all the best in her retirement.

Jo Trench

This Summer, we said a very fond farewell to Jo Trench who leaves us after six years to take up a teaching post at Bedales. Jo joined Churcher’s in 2015 and she has been an integral part of the Mathematics Faculty ever since. She is one the most organised colleagues I have ever worked with, meticulous in her planning but also a real team player. A popular teacher, Jo’s kind, caring and engaging approach will be missed by our pupils. She has inspired many pupils to love Maths and helped them towards excellent exam results. She also liked to get involved in the full life of the school and was in charge of the equestrian club, organising events for the School’s keen horse riders, as well as helping students towards their Bronze DofE Award. Jo’s great sense of humour will be missed by the whole Department as when she was around the office was always full of fun and laughter. We wish her the very best.

Rob West

Rob West joined us from teaching abroad in 2013 with a huge wealth of experience and new ideas. He made an immediate impact in the Physics Department with his innovation and refreshing approach, quickly gaining the respect of the pupils in his class and his teaching peers. Rob has been keen to promote different approaches to traditional teaching methods and the changes he has helped implement during his time with us will become part of his legacy at Churcher’s College. A true professional in the classroom and as a reliable and dedicated team member, he had at the centre of all his work the pupils’ very best interests. Rob took on the responsibility some years ago for the British Physics Olympiad for GCSE and A Level Physics students, and each year he has inspired many pupils to great success in these competitions. Rob was due to retire last year, but due to his popularity and that of Physics, he was persuaded to stay on part-time for one last blast round so our sincere thanks go to Rob, with our very best wishes for his future.

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