Head of Boarding – Laura Piggott
At first, starting any new role brings a mixture of excitement, personal doubt and discovery, and stepping into the Head of Boarding position was no exception. Over the last 100 days I have had the pleasure of immersing myself in a community that has supported me. The start of any year brings the excitement of meeting new students and welcoming familiar faces.
Here are a few lessons, key moments and reflections from this exciting chapter.
Building relationships is key to any boarding school, this becomes more so with an international community whose first language is not English. The Boarding Team, although experienced, was new to Padworth and getting to know the team was a major priority for me. I dedicated much of the initial weeks to meeting with students and staff, understanding their challenges, and aspirations.
For the students this has taken the form of joining in activities, being on duty in the communal common room and attending Student Council meetings. This has been invaluable in understanding what works well and where we needed to make changes.
For the Boarding Team it has been to forge an open dialogue. The boarding staff are the key to fostering a supportive and caring atmosphere.
As I reflect on my first 100 days as Head of Boarding at Padworth College, I have learnt that there are never enough hours in the day! Boarding runs on its own rhythm, it’s unpredictable, busy and fast paced. No matter how carefully I plan my day or week there is always something that can’t be anticipated, from a pastoral concern to a logistical problem.
The to-do list never gets any shorter and I have accepted that I will never get to the bottom of it. Instead, I have learnt to prioritise, delegate and where I can embrace the chaos that will inevitably arise.
I have realised that taking time away from College is not ‘a nice to do’, but also a necessity. For my own piece of mind and those around me. This is something I am still working on, but I have learnt to appreciate time to unwind. I have found a long walk with my dog a big help.
It has been an intense, rewarding and challenging experience. It’s a role where you’re never bored, always learning, and constantly reminded of the impact you can have on the student’s future.
No matter how busy and chaotic things get, it’s the personal interaction that means the most, a shared laugh, helping someone through a hard day or celebrating when the football team wins that keeps me coming back for more. I am very much looking forward to seeing what the next 100 days bring.
Meet the Boarding Team
Fison House Parent – Shannon Flynn
I am the Fison House Parent, primarily looking after the care and wellbeing of the Girls House at Padworth. I enjoy living on campus alongside my wife, Jennie. I started my academic journey at Warwick University, where I studied Psychology, and then went on to obtain my PGCE from the University of Buckingham. I’ve spent the last nine years diving into the world of Boarding and teaching Psychology, both of which I absolutely love.
From a young age, I knew I wanted a career that involved helping and caring for people. Working in boarding gives me the chance to make a real difference in students’ lives; It’s incredibly rewarding and honestly, there’s never a dull moment. I love being part of such a diverse community where I can contribute to the growth and development of young minds.
Granary House Parent – Conor Butler
I am the Granary House Parent and primarily look after and care for the Boys House at Padworth whilst supporting the Sports offering. My background is primarily within the sports industry, I studied Sport Management at the University of Stirling followed by an MSc there in Sport Psychology. Parallel to my studies I enjoyed leadership and support roles within student and youth football for 4 years, which is where I first found my passion for supporting and mentoring young people.
I am passionate about personal development and ensuring that everyone has someone in their corner that listens and understands them and helps them reach their full potential. This is a relationship I am honoured to have with many of the boys in Granary and is a main source of motivation and happiness in my role.
In my most recent role I was managing a Boarding House with international footballers. This is where I fell in love with the boarding lifestyle and the meaningful relationships you build, as well as working in an international environment. An international boarding school therefore felt like the natural step forward, and it’s one I am now very happy I took!
Senior Boarding Tutor – Abdoulie Lemon
I am the Senior Boarding Tutor at Padworth College and I also support the Sports offering. I hold a Master’s Degree in Brand Management and Marketing, which has equipped me with strong communication and organisational skills.
My passions include sports and traveling, both of which have shaped my perspective and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. My experience in boarding comes from two incredible years working at sports summer camps with Nike and Chelsea FC, where I guided young athletes in a supportive environment.
I love working in boarding because it provides an opportunity to mentor and inspire students, aiding their personal growth while creating a positive and inclusive community they can call home.
