SPOTLIGHT – FIONA BEACH-MACGEAGH
The spotlight turns to Fiona Beach-MacGeagh – our charming, creative and charitable Deputy Head of Admissions and Ivy House Tutor.
After University, Fiona worked for a large PR Agency in London & Oxford working for Barclays Private Equity, consumer and charity clients. Tired of London life, Fiona and her best friend ventured to Meribel for 5 months to run a 5* chalet, before returning to reality and working for an International sports events company. She returned with many tales from the slopes! Fiona fell into education due to the fact that she has always been passionate about girls’ education and her charity work in Uganda. She is a founding member of the charity 'Friends of St. Michael's Girls Primary School, Busembatia, Uganda' which she helped set up whilst volunteering there during her gap year 14 years ago. A job came up at Horris Hill Prep, where she worked for just over 5 years, before making the leap to Warminster.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
Just over 1 year.
What’s the best thing about your role?
It's that moment when a new boy or girl, who you have seen through the admissions process, finally starts at Warminster and after a few days you see them in their uniform chatting and laughing with new friends and you know that this is the right school for them. That makes my day.
Describe a typical day?
Days are usually very busy in admissions. A typical day can include, checking emails, meeting parents, arranging tours, marking exams, preparing for open days, visiting prep schools and then to Ivy House for evening duty. I try and fit in a spinning/Yoga class where I can.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
The people and the beautiful grounds.
What would surprise us about you?
A couple of things perhaps. In my University days, I could Hula Hoop through an entire episode of Home & Away, love a bit of multi-tasking.
I attended music appreciation lessons with Prince Harry when I was seven. But this came to an abrupt end following a falling out over musical differences…!
Also, I am not sure if I should admit this, but I know all the words to ‘The Sound of Music’, I am not sure if this will surprise my close friends.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
Interior Designer or Osteopath.
What did your school reports say?
Fiona tries very hard in all of her lessons but some topics come easier to her than others. For example, Maths is not her strongest, but she always has a smile on her face.
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Don’t over pluck your eyebrows, I have already advised the Ivy girls about this pitfall.
Biggest bugbear?
Chewing gum and bad manners.
Favourite band/group or artist?
I am listening to Charlie Puth at the moment in my car and living in a boarding house means I get the delight of listening to all sorts of music, through the walls!
Guilty pleasure?
Peanut butter M&M’s you used to be only able to buy them in America, but a few places now sell them in the UK.
If you were on Masterchef what would your signature dish be?
I think any of my dishes from my Ski Season days, I think I can still cook them all in my sleep. Duck with homemade marmalade on a bed of red cabbage.
Last book you read?
Walking the Himalayas, Levison Wood.
Last movie watched?
Pitch Perfect with the Ivy Girls.
Favourite tipple?
Some sort of elderflower or mint cocktail.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
London, where I was born and raised. Then a close second would be Sydney, love the sun, people and the great setting.
Twitter or Facebook?
Twitter – Admissions have embraced the Twittersphere, you can follow us on @ws_admissions