Friday Feature: Mr Steve French

Teacher of English.

This is my first week!  It strikes me as being a wonderfully supportive, caring and nurturing school where everyone can thrive and I am delighted to be here.  Before this, I was Deputy Head (Pastoral) in a growing independent school in Dubai, and prior to that, I was Housemaster, Teacher of English and led the EPQ at Framlingham College, Suffolk for seven years.  The three years prior were spent as Head of Upper School in a British International School in Shanghai, and the first decade of my career was in the maintained sector, where I held various positions inducing Transition Manager, Head of Lower School English and Head of Year.  It’s been a wonderfully rewarding career to date and I am so looking forward to learning more during my time here at KESW.

I live on-site with my family; home is Colchester in Essex, but I was born in London – Crystal Palace.

Either safari in Zimbabwe or leading a Year 11 school service residential trip from Shanghai to Yangshuo, China.

English, naturally, though interestingly I also loved PE, Maths and Music.  In fact, though it might sound cliche, I really loved school life and without doubt, the flame of my natural curiosity in those particular subject areas was fanned by some inspirational and unforgettable teachers – many of whom I am indebted to for life.

Great question! My first console was a Sega Mega Drive and a game called Ecco the Dolphin blew my mind!  You  played as a dolphin seeking to find and rescue his pod whilst traversing the best graphics a 16-bit console had to offer; unique and fun!  I admit to being a more casual gamer these days as the bug never really left! Away from video games, football has always played an important part in my life and playing from a young age, arguably, was also my favourite game.  Though as a Villa fan, it has certainly been a rollercoaster relationship!

Only because it couldn’t be further from the truth: “Sir, you look like someone from Take That!”

It varies depending on so many factors!  As long as something “speaks” to me, that is, I can connect with it in some way, it gets a thumbs up from me.  Picking a favourite is nigh on impossible!

I am passionate about holistic and transformative education, wellbeing, kindness and developing positive relationships. I’m a keen cyclist and into nutrition, am currently studying towards a Masters in Educational Leadership a former lead-guitarist in a number of bands (and actively seeking to join new ones!), devoted husband of ten years to Laura and father of three wonderful children; Emilia (9), George (6) and Molly (3).

It is nothing short of a privilege to join KESW.  I look forward to meeting as many people as possible and adding value to an already outstanding community at what is, no doubt, a very exciting time for the school.  Thank you indeed for having me!