Rachel Jones – School House Boys Matron
Hi, my name is Rachel and I am the Matron for SHB. I have been the Matron for SHB for over 4 years. I live locally to the school with my husband in the neighbouring village of Cheddar. We have four boys ages 29, 28,15 and 12 and are looking forward to becoming Grandparents in the New Year. We also have a dog called Mollie who sometimes travels to school with me to visit the house and enjoy some fun and cuddles with the boarders. My role within the house is varied, most importantly I am there every day when the boys come in from school. Making them feel that this really is a home from home is very important to me. Another part of my role is to check their rooms encouraging them to keep them clean and tidy. I help the boys with household tasks such as washing and ironing. I am the keeper of the treats and chocolate biscuits if ever they need to sit and offload and need someone to lend a listening ear and helpful advice. My ultimate aim is to promote a homely welcoming atmosphere in our house where the boys can relax be themselves and have fun. Of course, I don’t work alone in SHB but am part of a great team who all work together to ensure the boys get the best care and support, teaching them values and life skills they can carry with them into their future.
Anna Phippen – Newcombe House Matron
Hello, I am Anna and I work as a Matron at Newcombe House and a Non-Resident Housemistress in School House Girls. I love that I know all the boarders from both girls’ houses really well! I am a Russian speaker from Estonia who came to Sidcot School on a University exchange scheme, and I am still here 20 years on. Sidcot is a special place, and everyone who has worked or studied here, would know what I mean. Working as a Matron at Newcombe is challenging and rewarding in equal measures and quite often requires multitasking, sorting laundry, replying to emails, and booking taxis, all at the same time! My favourite job of the week is handing out chocolates to Newcombe girls after school on Friday and seeing their happy faces! I also enjoy baking or making smoothies with the girls at the weekend as cooking is a great skill to learn and share, and it’s a great bonding experience. In my spare time, I enjoy cycling, yoga, reading, and wild swimming.
Lexie Raymond – School House Girls Matron
My name is Lexie, and I am Matron in SHG. We have a great mix of lovely students in the house this year; for me to remember all the names has been a challenge. My role in the house is to be there for the girls when they come in from school, both at lunch time and after lessons. They can come to me for anything, including issues as small as sewing a button on a shirt to the more emotional needs we all have from time to time. I am a mother to three at home and 63 at school! I hope to share some of my interests with the girls. I have planned a sewing class where we will be making and embroidering bookmarks. I will also be running a fun vocal workshop for all the music lovers. As a former singing teacher this gives me a chance to combine the things I love, music, my role as matron, and getting to know the students.
Sally Bayley – Wing House Matron
Hello, I’m Sally, the Matron at Wing House. I’ve been working at Sidcot since the end of the last century! I help the rest of the Wing Team look after our thirty-three boys. I’m available for the boys in their lunchtime and after school breaks and strongly encourage them to leave Wing on time so they arrive at their next destination on time! I’m very lucky that some of the boys are able to sort their own, small sewing needs; some even embroider their names on their clothes which is very impressive. However, others are great at presenting me with whole trouser leg or blazer sleeve seams (completely ripped) keeping me out of mischief for a while… I’m available to help them with any troubles that may arise in various aspects of their school or home lives, and although I may not be able to offer a solution, hopefully I can direct them to someone who can. I am an animal lover and enjoy learning about the pets the boys have at home. I have two, gorgeous cats to welcome me when I get home! I also very much enjoy teaching Piano to mainly the Juniors.