SPOTLIGHT – NICI JONES
The Spotlight shines on Nici Jones, Head of Ken House.
Nici was born and raised in Frome. This is where her love of basketball came from – when the National League for Women started, Frome had a team and her Mum was one of the inaugural players. At 14 she moved to Wells where she attended Wells Cathedral School. Nici was very sporty, musical, loved drama and was academic as well, so she never had a moment to herself. A love of Biology took Nici to Cardiff University, followed by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne for her PGCE. During this time Nici also met her husband, who was in the Army. Never one to conform, she refused to settle into Army life so Nici based herself in Swindon then in Bath and her husband moved about. After teaching in state schools for ten years, as a Biology and Chemistry teacher, followed by several years as Head of Year, Nici took a career break, had her son and worked in the family business. Once that was transformed, Nici decided the next challenge was to go back to teaching. She spent three years working part-time as a Biology Teacher at King Edward’s School in Bath, before selling the business in January 2020, moving to Brokerswood and starting at Warminster in January 2021. Phew!
How long have you worked at Warminster?
I joined in January 2021 during a lockdown so did not meet anyone for about 2 months!
Describe a typical Warminster day for you?
I am always in early – the start of term is usually about 7.30 but by the end of term it is as late as 8.15. Every second of my day is full to bursting with lesson planning and delivery, chatting to and teaching pupils, collaborating with staff and generally cracking on. I cannot wait to go home for a cuddle with the dogs and to sit in the garden at 5pm though.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
Almost immediately Warminster felt like ‘home’. The staff and the pupils are so welcoming. It is a special place and I feel like I can be my true self here.
Is there much house rivalry in the Foundry, or do you all secretly get along?
Of course there is rivalry, but at the end of the day we work together for the benefit of the pupils and the school, so we also get on. Can you imagine what it would be like in the Foundry if we didn’t?!
As a new Head of House, what are you bringing to Ken?
I am excited and enthusiastic about my role as Head of Ken. I am passionate about pupil welfare and have many years’ experience throughout my career of developing and supporting young people. I offer Ken pupils an open door, a ‘can do’ attitude and aspirational leadership, so that they know that I back their dreams to the hilt. I am bringing the ‘Kenergy’. Go Ken!
What is your favourite House event?
House Music!
What other Warminster role would you like to try for a day and why?
I would like to work with our Admissions Team – I am really interested in how they go about enticing families to come to Warminster.
What would surprise us about you?
I am naturally a bit of an introvert. I like to be quiet and private in my own home with no-one else about. Reading a book, in my pajamas with a cuppa is my idea of heaven.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
Prime Minister or a rally car driver.
What did your school reports say about you?
Talked too much…
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Learn to say ‘no’ earlier in life and do not worry about what others think. This will lead to having more fun and less anxiety.
Your mantra/motto or favourite quote?
While despair and uncertainty can fuel ideas, humanitarian and architect Slava Balbek says we shouldn’t wait for bad things to happen before we take action to change the world around us. The best time is always now. So, if you have the privilege of living in peace, use this time wisely.
Any hidden ambitions still to achieve?
To forge spaces for women and girls to thrive by being a role model and ‘Difficult Woman’ for them, whenever I can.
A favourite possession you would save from a fire?
Owlie – a handmade toy from my childhood.
Biggest bugbear?
Dishonesty.
Favourite musician/group?
Suzanne Vega.
Guilty pleasure?
Marzipan.
What is your MasterChef signature dish?
I love cooking and baking but don’t really go in for the look of the food – it is all about the flavour for me. My Mum likes my Toad in the Hole…
Favourite TV programme/boxset?
Ted Lasso (I am rewatching it en famille).
Last book you read?
Utopia for Realists – Rutger Bregman.
Last movie watched?
Dune 2 (it was too long, and I got bored, so I didn’t finish it – I reread the book instead).
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Eddie/Suzy Izzard.
Favourite tipple?
Baileys on ice.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
My home for obvious reasons. We don’t travel anymore for the sake of the environment and even when we did, I always wanted to be at home. If it has to be somewhere else, it would be The Roseland in Cornwall, which is beautiful.