Our new Heads of School have been appointed for the academic year 2025/2026! Brooke and Jack will take on the roles of Heads of School, while Jessica and Ernie are our new Deputy Heads of School. We asked them a few questions to get to know them as they start their new roles...
Brooke
Tell us about your time at Bede’s so far…
I joined Bede’s in the last term of First Year and have loved it ever since. As soon as I started I threw myself into every opportunity that came my way, whether that was being on stage, in the pool and even in the classroom. Throughout my time at Bede’s I feel like I really have grown as an individual, going through the ‘school doesn’t matter’ phase to really pushing myself to achieve the best academic results I can. I’ve been given some incredible opportunities which I believe have really helped me come out of my comfort zone and allowed me to become more confident and comfortable in myself. However I wouldn’t be able to do it all without the support of my teachers and friends who I am forever grateful for and wouldn’t be here without.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I am most looking forward to working alongside all of the school prefects to help make all of the pupils at Bede’s feel a sense of belonging. I’d like to be able to be more involved with the pupils, listening to pupil voice and making changes where we can. I’m excited to see what new initiatives we all come up with and which ones we will be able to pursue throughout our time as prefects. I hope we are able to give something back to the school as it has given us all so much.
If you could travel to any period of history, where would you go?
I would go back to Ancient Greece because I want to see how all of the amazing structures and buildings were built. I went to Ephesus in Turkey over the summer, which was built by the Greek and was absolutely amazed by all the sculptures and buildings that they were able to build without machinery that are still standing today.
Who is on your dream dinner party guest list?
I have to say my top pick for my dinner party guest list would be Johnny Barnes who also happens to be one of my biggest role models. Johnny Barnes was from Bermuda, where I grew up, and he used to stand by a popular roundabout during rush hour and wave at all the passing cars. I have many many memories of passing by him on the way to school and would have loved to meet him. Next on my list would be David Attenborough, I just really think he is such an inspiration when it comes to the time and effort he puts into educating so many people about the animals, sea creatures and wildlife on earth and also how passionate he is about it. I think lastly would be Cleopatra because I just think she’s really cool!!
You have one book, one film and one album to take with you to a desert island - which do you pick?
This is such a hard question to answer because I love so many films and books. I would have to say that the book I would choose to bring with me would be ‘Good Vibes, Good Life’ by Vex King. It’s not an exciting fiction book but it's one of my favourite non-fictions I’ve ever read. It’s a very inspirational book and really opens your eyes to the importance of healthy relationships and the little things in life. My film would be ‘Notting Hill’ because I really love a romcom and I could watch that film over and over and never get bored (I also absolutely love Hugh Grant as an actor). My album pick would be ‘Loveseat’ by Still Woozy because I think it’s a perfect mix between chill and upbeat and I’m always listening to his songs on repeat!
Jack
Tell us about your time at Bede’s so far…
I joined Bede’s in Year 6. Since then, I’ve tried to take any opportunities I can to help myself grow as a person. I’ve learnt a lot about myself by having the opportunity to play tennis for the school but also in all the other off-court opportunities I get. I have tried to surround myself with a great group of people. Bede’s has given me a huge number of opportunities which has helped me get to where I am now!
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I am most looking forward to making the most of the position by trying to encourage other pupils to also take all the great opportunities given to them by Bede’s. I’d like to be a great role model to them. I also look forward to coming up with new ideas with the great prefect team that we have this year to help create an even stronger sense of belonging!
If you could travel to any period of history, where would you go?
I would want to travel to the 18th century when technology wasn’t such a large part of our lives and people would go out and socialise without having to be on their phones. I would love to see how different normal life was back then and how much it has changed since we technology took over.
Who is on your dream dinner party guest list?
I would love to have dinner with Roger Federer since he has always been my favorite tennis player and it would be interesting to see what he is like as a person and how he stays so mentally calm when playing. Another tennis player I would want to have at my dinner party is Emma Radacanu as it would be great to find out how she deals with the pressures and injuries she has been through since winning the US Open. I would also invite my sister Daisy because she always has something interesting to talk about and there is never a dull moment when she’s around.
You have one book, one film and one album to take with you to a desert island - which do you pick?
Jessica
I joined Bede’s in First Year. Before that I lived in Bermuda for the whole of my life. I’m telling you this because when I joined Bede’s I was also fairly new to living and schooling in the UK. Right from the start, Bede's made me feel welcomed. With the opportunities Bede's has presented to me, I have gained confidence and a willingness to embrace new challenges that push me out of my comfort zone, like speaking in front of the whole school or trying out for a sport I've never played before.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I am most looking forward to having a greater impact on the school community and becoming a role model that the younger years can look up to. I am also looking forward to working with the other prefects and as a team I feel we are already very strong and capable so I am excited to see what we can all achieve together. In addition, as the new Deputy Head of School I can’t wait to work alongside the Bede’s Foundation team and raise money to offer future pupils the ability to study at Bede’s that otherwise would not have the opportunity to.
If you could travel to any period of history, where would you go?
I would travel back in time to the Ancient Egypt period to experience the fashion, food and culture there. I would love to experience living in one of the oldest civilisations including the social hierarchy of having a pharaoh like Cleopatra - a powerful and charismatic woman. I would love to see the pyramids being built and their ways of life like mummification are very fascinating to me. The Egyptians are also very interesting because they invented mathematics, makeup, medicine, the solar calendar and much more which we depend on nowadays.
Who is on your dream dinner party guest list?
I would invite Coco Chanel because she was a woman who changed the face of fashion forever. She grew up in a poor village in France but has now created a $38 billion dollar business. I would like to invite Michelle Obama, because as the first lady she worked as an advocate for poverty awareness, education, nutrition and much more. I would also invite Queen Elizabeth II because she was a very strong and brave woman who dedicated her whole life to the United Kingdom. Lastly, I would invite David Attenborough because I think his work is very interesting and he is an impressive person to speak with.
You have one book, one film and one album to take with you to a desert island - which do you pick?
Ernie
Tell us about your time at Bede’s so far…
Moving to Bede’s was the best decision I ever made. From the sporting opportunities to the academic support and the general atmosphere around the school. Joining in Year 10 I found it easy making friends and the pupils and staff made me feel welcome. I am a keen cricketer and that was something that I was able to pursue 3 to 4 times a week. I have come a long way in terms of academics, specifically with my English ability. I’d have never gotten such a strong grade without the wonderful Dr Savage and Mr Cheshire. Now taking Maths, Further Maths and Physics for my A levels, I am enjoying every moment that I have here and am excited for the future.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I like the idea of being able to influence things for the better within the school, for example I think that Year 9s should get more public speaking opportunities.
If you could travel to any period of history, where would you go?
I would go back to the 1900-10s mainly because the fashion back then I think was really cool. There were no phones which I think is another bonus.
Who is on your dream dinner party guest list?
Lewis Dunk, Eddie Vedder (lead singer of Pearl Jam) and Layne Staley (Lead singer of Alice in Chains) All three of these people have been very influential in my life, I have listened to their music for as long as I can remember and as far as Lewis Dunk is concerned he has captained the football team I’ve been supporting for my whole life.
You have one book, one film and one album to take with you to a desert island - which do you pick?
The book that I would take to a desert Island would be ‘How to Think like a Mathematician’.
The film would be ‘Snatch’ produced by Guy Ritchie.
As far as albums are concerned I am torn between ‘Ten’ by Pearl Jam and ‘Dirt’ by Alice in Chains. Musically I’d have to go for ‘Ten’ as I think it is the more complete album.
