I was at Barrow Hills between 1988 and 1993. The headmasters during my time were Father Adrian Cadwallader and Father Roger Barralet. After Barrow Hills I attended Cranleigh School.
It’s a long time ago now but I remember being in the form room opposite the front door on the first day, and meeting Mrs Weekes, the form teacher. I boarded at age 12 and 13; I was a weekly boarder so went home at weekends. Leaving home to go back to school on Sunday evenings was always difficult but I enjoyed the experience overall.
Looking back, the space and the freedom of the grounds was something I enjoyed most about Barrow Hills. But there are many distinct memories when I think about it: Cricket against the lamppost in the playground … Leading grace at lunchtime without really knowing the words and just mumbling these parts as quickly as possible! … The big red detention book being read out at lunch time … Mr Collins’ military music in art lessons… Father Adrian selling tuck and table tennis items in his study… Feast days when we’d have a special lunch and no afternoon classes… Birthday tables at mealtimes where you could invite others to join you… Cakes at break time… Basically, a lot of food memories!
I think it was in sport that the school had the most influence on me though. It instilled a certain level of resilience to have to go out and play rugby when it was single figure temperatures outside and pouring with rain! I also had little interest in competitive sport when I arrived, but having to get involved laid the foundation of being fit and healthy, and that has lasted into adulthood.
After school I’ve worked in financial services sales since a few years after leaving university, and I now work for the London Stock Exchange.