Steyning Grammar School

1. What is your first memory starting your school?

I remember, around starting Steyning Grammar, a history lesson in which we were asked to design our best possible society. That exercise forced me to face how hard that is to even imagine!

2. What is your best memory from your school?

I remember finding a derivation of the binomial formula and gaining the satisfaction that comes from deriving a result for yourself!

3. What is one thing you would like to change about your school?

I think they would benefit from both greater Oxbridge application support in particular and, partly to that end, greater support on developing underlying intellectual skills (e.g., critical thinking, problem solving, basic modelling).

4. How did you prepare for your admission exam?

I practised TSA section 1 papers by myself and inferred improvements in technique by analysing my practice papers before doing another. For the section 2 (essay), I practised essays and benefitted from some feedback from my mother (Brasenose College, Oxford, 1989).

5. How was the academic support?

I went to comprehensive schools which, whilst led by dedicated teachers, offered little by way of additional academic support for those who were not academically struggling.

6. Is your school a religious school?

Steyning Grammar School is nominally CofE.

7. What was your favourite co-curricular achievement while at your school?

I enjoyed debating and public speaking, winning a regional public speaking competition with a speech on Cartesian scepticism.

8. How much emphasis is placed on Oxbridge as a university destination?

In which I finished my schooling, did not usually place a high emphasis on Oxbridge as most of the more academic within the school would usually focus on places closer to home (Cardiff/Bristol/Bath). Pupils occasionally receive offers from Oxbridge colleges.

9. Do you keep in touch with the school, now you have left?

I have offered advice for applicants of the school to Oxford or Cambridge and assisted one chap with his personal statement.

10. Did you ever have a detention at your school?

Not in sixth form. In Steyning Grammar, I received one detention.

11. What are the pastoral support options?

I never particularly needed pastoral support on welfare grounds at school.