SPOTLIGHT – PHILIP TITLEY
The first Spotlight of 2018 shines on our 'Ironman' Head of Prep, Philip Titley.
Growing up in South Devon, Philip was educated in the state sector before attending Bicton College of Agriculture and the University of Wales, Bangor, where he graduated with a B.Ed (Hons) in Primary Education. On leaving university, Philip took up his first teaching post at Trinity School, Teignmouth. There he taught a number of year groups in Key Stage 2, was Head of Games and a Residential Boarding Tutor. From here, he moved to Kingswood Preparatory School, Bath. As a member of the Senior Management Team, he ran the Junior Boarding House caring for children aged seven to eleven, before taking on the role of Senior Master. Philip moved to Warminster School as Deputy Head (Prep) in January 2016 before taking on the role of Head of Prep in September 2016. Philip is married to Amanda, who is an accountant working for the Ministry of Defence. They have two children Matthew and Sarah.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
Since January 2016.
What’s the best thing about your role?
Seeing children happy at school, the challenge of leadership and the fact that no two days are the same.
Describe a typical day?
Every day is different; however, they all include plenty of interactions with children.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
Warminster is a warm and friendly school. I love the relaxed but purposeful attitude of pupils, parents and staff.
What would surprise us about you?
I am an Ironman triathlete and subsequently own far too many items of lycra based clothing.
What other Warminster role would you like to try for a day and why?
I would like to go back to where it all started and spend the day teaching sport to all age groups. I also fancy having a go on the big, ride on mower.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I grew up by the sea and loved sailing, swimming and canoeing. Anything that involved the sea would have been the dream.
What did your school reports say about you?
Could do better, particularly regarding spelling. My leaving gift from primary school was a dictionary.
Your note/advice to teenage self?
You have plenty of time to figure out who you are and what you want to do.
Your mantra/motto or favourite quote?
“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.”
Hidden ambitions still to achieve?
Climb all of the Wainwrights in the Lake District; I am approximately two thirds of the way through. Sail around the UK. The rest remain hidden.
A favourite possession you would save from a fire.
As long as my family were okay I would not worry too much about the other stuff. Maybe my insurance policy.
Biggest bugbear?
First world problems.
Favourite musician/group?
Queen and AC/DC.
Guilty pleasure?
My boat.
MasterChef signature dish?
Fish – tuna or sea bass
Favourite TV programme?
Pretty much any sport, the news and recently Blue Planet.
Last book you read?
Wainwrights Pictorial Guides to the Lakes and Joss, The Life and Times of the Legendary Lake District Fell Runner and Shepherd, Joss Naylor.
Last movie watched?
Dallas Buyers Club.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Bruce Willis, Patrick Stewart, Ross Kemp or Adrian Scarborough. I am confident anyone of them would do a good job.
Favourite tipple?
Tea. Preferably made by someone else.
Favourite place/city in the world and why?
Keswick or Andorra. Stunning scenery and adventure.
Twitter or Facebook?
Twitter. Follow Warminster Prep.
Did you catch Mr Titley in 'The Journey Starts Here'?