1646 – Issue 2

What is your role within the School? I am the Director of Marketing and Admissions at Reading Blue Coat having joined the School in September 2011 and am part of the SLT (Senior Leadership Team) here. The Admissions Team is the first point of contact for those applying to come to Reading Blue Coat as a student and as such I see my role as being a bit of a story teller. I need to tell and sell the story of the School to those looking at it as an option for their son or daughter. I also work closely with Sarah and Victoria in the Foundation Office as well and try to have a handle on all things Reading Blue Coat as it is very important for me to know what is going on from a marketing and storytelling perspective. What did you do before working at RBC? I was the Registrar at Shiplake College. I have had lots of other roles too including Local Authority Admissions, Clerk to Governing Bodies and before having my now grown up sons, I worked in the Corporate Pensions Sector. Can you describe your job using three words? It’s hard to choose just three! I think I’d go for busy, rewarding and responsive. What do you most enjoy about your role? I love being the first point of contact for those who aren’t familiar with the School and being part of their journey to their first day here. I like then being able to witness a student’s entire Reading Blue Coat journey and seeing the progress they make over the years. It’s wonderful to see what they then go on to do as Old Blues too! What would you say is the biggest challenge you face? Having to turn down really good and deserving students for a place is hugely disappointing and at times heart-breaking. We just don’t have the space to take them all and so really tough decisions need to be made. Of course, it’s hugely encouraging that we are so popular but it’s still very tough. What is your favourite part of the School? The Dining Hall, obviously! Otherwise it would have to be the Reading Room in the Library, although I don’t manage to get up there very often because of time constraints. It is always so calm and peaceful and a wonderful place to have a moment of tranquillity in what can be a pretty hectic environment. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? I enjoy walking with my Otterhound Etty, reading and gardening although since Etty joined the family, it’s more a case of replanting what she has dug up. I should point out that I am very much a fair-weather gardener and am not as green fingered as some of my fellow colleagues! What is the best thing about working at RBC? The people. We have a shared sense of humour and although we all work very hard, we can have a laugh and a giggle when required! Comments made by students at interview provide us with plenty of material I can assure you! Working at Reading Blue Coat is like being part of an extended family really. Paul Holleley (1949-2019) It was with deepest sorrow that we learned the news of Paul’s death in London on June 10th 2019 following a long illness. “Paul Hollely (1949-2019) Paul and I first joined the School’s staff as young teachers back in September 1974 and in the words of our colleague and friend, Paul Bodinetz, “there was hardly an area of Blue Coat life where his influence was not felt.” Right from the very beginning, Paul’s unrivalled capacity to spread happiness wherever he went was apparent. As teacher of English, housemaster, Head of Sixth Form and tutor, those of us who were privileged to work with him will never forget that. A good listener, sympathetic yet firm, Paul was admired for his wise counsel and understanding. His generosity of spirit infused all his actions and earned him the respect and affection of colleagues and pupils alike. A fine teacher, Paul’s zest for life and dedication to his work were inspiring. Time and again these qualities found expression in countless public speaking events, debates and choirs all of which attracted large audiences and radiated pure enjoyment and good humour. Many will recall the sheer energy and enthusiasm he devoted to promoting public speaking throughout the School. Participation in a wide range of events and competitions at home and abroad was actively encouraged amongst all ages. This tradition, now firmly established, endures with regular visits to Canada, the USA and more recently to Hong Kong. Nor should we forget the popular Christmas Cracker and Summer Soirée junior competitions which we regularly enjoy today. It was wholly appropriate for the School to be invited to host the World Public Speaking Championships shortly before Paul’s retirement in 2009.Paul’s fine singing voice which ranged from classical opera to 20th century vocals was another source of enjoyment to us all. With Peter Firebrace, Paul, often braving rain and shine, first launched in 1999 the Swing Into Summertime concerts still enjoyed outdoors at the close of the summer term. Paul is sorely missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to share his warm friendship and kindness. There is perhaps no finer tribute to his years at our School than the legacy he has bequeathed to future generations.” Peter van Went (1966) (Archivist and Old Blue) A stroll around the School with… Jane Jarrett 2 5