Whitgift Conversations Archive

Headmaster, Chris Ramsey talk about some of his favourite highlights of this academic year, how the School has changed since Covid and advice for students over the summer holiday.

Director of Sport, Stuart Litchfield and Assistant Director of Sport, Ryan Shedwick explain what the world of Sport is like at Whitgift, the vision for the future and how OWs give back so freely.

Senior Boarding Housemaster, Will Chaloner and Deputy Boarding Housemaster, Jae Chang explore boarding life at Whitgift at different years within the School and also what’s in store in the future.

Director of Development, Thomas Northcote talks about his role within the Alumni department, bursaries and the launch of Whitgift For All - the biggest act of philanthropy for the School since 1596.

Head of Learning Support, Kirstie Richardson talks about her own experiences in school, her understanding of neurodiversity, and her role within the Learning Support department.

Assistant Head - Co-curricular, Mr Osborne tells us about how he got into teaching. He also explores what co-curricular means, the programme we run at Whitgift and what the future holds.

Grounds and Estate Manager, Mr Ratling tells us about his roles and responsibilities at Whitgift, why it’s important to maintain the School grounds and the duties that take up most of his time.

Mr Nick Edwards talks about the benefits of having governors who are in full time employment, why people choose to commit to being one and how his job helps him to be a better governor.

Short Courses Marketing Manager & Teacher of EAL, Mr Chisholm, tells us all about Whitgift Summer School, what a typical day is like and how it differs from others in the UK.

Teacher of History & Politics and Assistant Head of Higher Education, Mr Van Dort, shares his background as a teacher and delves into what it is that makes them such compelling subjects.

We discuss how and why the curriculum at Whitgift is unique, what valuable skills are being taught to the students and we’ll also learn about the programme 'Ignite'.

A round-up of the Michaelmas Term from Headmaster, Mr Ramsey, and what we can expect in the coming year. He also gives us an insight into his views on blazers in school. 

We speak to the Director of Partnerships and Community, Mr Andy Marlow. He talks about what community programmes are at Whitgift, and why they’re so valuable for students to get involved in.

We’ll explore the responsibilities of the Chaplain and how he provides support to all pupils regardless of faith. He also discusses the relationship between the School and the Croydon Minster.

We discover what the role of Deputy Director of Learning and Innovation entails with Mr Piggott, and how the School instils values and prepare students for what comes after their studies.

Director of Drama, Mr James Hammond explains why drama is so important in school, where he plans to take it in the future and reveals more about the production of Chariots of Fire.

Mr Powell talks about his life as a young boy at Whitgift, what changes he’s seen and how the School holds onto traditions whilst evolving with changing times.

Mr Kirby explains how Whitgift supports its diverse community of students, the dangers of staff not reflecting that community, the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement and challenges for students.

Director of IB, Miss Mitchell talks us through who the IB is aimed at, the benefits for students, and addresses concerns that some parents might have about IB.

Headmaster Chris Ramsey explains some of the origins of the School, and some advice to parents considering single-sex vs a co-educational school (and his answer might not be what you expect).