The school has grown and developed in so many ways since my time here as a student. What hasn’t changed, however, is the unique and welcoming atmosphere that makes it so special. I feel genuinely proud to work in such a diverse and inclusive community, one that reflects both our local area and the richness of London as a whole, without ever taking that for granted.
I remember filling out a careers questionnaire at school back in 2005, and based on my responses, teaching and coaching came out as the most likely career path for me. Even then, it felt like a natural fit, something I believed I’d enjoy and be well-suited to.
During my playing career, I was fortunate to be supported by senior players who took the time to guide and encourage me. As I became a more experienced and established member of the group, I made a conscious effort to do the same for the next generation, ensuring they felt supported and knew I was someone they could turn to if they needed help or advice. I continue to do this now in my role as Director of Sport with both staff and students.
It’s really hard to choose just one moment, as there have been so many. I’ve been fortunate to see a few year groups through their entire journey, and for some, I was their Head of Year from the very beginning, back when they first joined the school as JBugs. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in seeing them at school events or bumping into them after they’ve left, knowing that I’ve been a small part of their journey and that I can remember and feature in some of the memories they look back on fondly.
It was an incredible experience, the result of years of hard work, overcoming setbacks, and enjoying some unforgettable highs along the way. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of standing to sing your national anthem with your country’s flag on your chest; it’s difficult to put into words or replicate that sense of pride and emotion.
As a team of sports teachers and coaches, we feel strongly, and there’s plenty of research to support it, that offering students a wide range of sporting opportunities is hugely beneficial. Far from limiting their chances of reaching the highest level, this broad exposure will actually enhance their development.
Of course, it’s not always straightforward. There are scheduling challenges, and as students’ progress through the school, they naturally develop preferences for certain sports. However, the character-building, along with the physical, emotional, and social benefits of playing multiple sports, far outweigh the push to specialise early.
The reality is that only a small number will go on to play at the highest level. So, helping students develop a lifelong love of sport is vital. That’s why, at Trinity, we place such importance on encouraging students to try a wide variety of sports throughout their time here.
I know I speak on behalf of the entire Sports Department when I say how excited we are to welcome girls into the Lower School from September 2027. We’re committed to offering the same breadth of opportunities that boys currently enjoy, ensuring that every girl is supported, engaged, and able to discover a sport or activity they love.
It’s a really exciting time for sport at Trinity, and that journey begins with significant investment in our facilities ahead of 2027. Over the summer, we’ve seen the refurbishment of the Lower Astro and the Shaw changing rooms, as well as the completion of a brand-new, state-of-the-art studio space for dance, spin, and yoga. Looking ahead, a brand-new netball facility will replace the existing hard courts, with work set to begin in the summer term.
To support this growth, we will also be appointing an Assistant Director of Sport this year. Together, and with the full backing of the department, we will lead the preparation for the arrival of girls, ensuring we’re ready to hit the ground running.
Selfishly, and with my water polo hat on, I’m especially looking forward to entering our first mixed and girls’ ESSA competitions. Our senior girls have already paved the way, not just across a range of sports, but particularly in water polo, where we’ve achieved several top-six national finishes over the past decade. I truly believe we’ll become a force to be reckoned with both locally and nationally, all while keeping inclusion, enjoyment, and development at the heart of everything we do.
1. What’s your go-to Friday night meal? A lamb rogan josh, with mushroom rice and a garlic naan. Shout out to Amber Fort in Eden Park, Beckenham!
2. What’s your all-time favourite holiday? Two weeks in Florida visiting all the amazing theme parks and water parks.
3. If you could have been an Olympian in any other sport, what would you have chosen? I’ve spent the entire summer working on my handicap, so I’d say golf. It has fast become the sport I watch and enjoy playing the most, much to the delight of my wife and kids!
4. What would you be doing if you hadn’t become a teacher? I guess I may have followed my Dad and worked as an insurance broker in the city. More likely, probably a full-time coaching role in water polo, although they are few and far between in this country, so it would have been somewhere in the US or Europe.
5. Can you describe yourself in three words? I asked my eldest son this one…fun, annoying and helpful…I’ll take that!
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