In celebration of World Teacher Day on Sunday 5 October, we asked OKS in the latest OKS newsletter to tell us about an inspiring teacher who made a difference in their lives.

Thank you to everyone who shared a memory, a moment of inspiration, or reflected on the lasting impact a teacher has had on their lives. Each message was a reminder of the power of teaching and the influence of those who dedicate their lives to help pupils grow, both personally and academically. 

We gathered your words appreciation, printing and delivering messages to current staff in the Common Room and emailing messages to former staff, so they could know how fondly they are remembered. 

Here are just a few of the many thoughtful messages we received:

To Will Bersey (Director of Music):

He made every rehearsal (even the stressful ones) enjoyable, and brought a smile to everyone’s faces with his stories of his new car, new house, keto diet and conservatoire days. I now know the impact a music teacher can have on student’s lives, and has made me want to be a role model for younger musicians myself. He truly incarnates the joy the music brings to people’s lives.

- Anonymous OKS 

To Anthony Lyons (English Teacher and Head of Creative Writing):

An inspiration to my learning, a teacher that made each lesson something to look forward to and pushed me personally with writing poetry. Anthony has real character and a great laugh.

- Stirling Hampton (LN 2020-25) 

To Stephen Woodley (The Grange Housemaster & Former KSC Staff 1969-98):

Stephen was an inspirational teacher of English , both at AO and A and AS level, introducing me to new authors and works, making the compulsory set texts palatable (well, as palatable as Milton's Paradise Lost can be to a callow teenager!) and being thoroughly conscientious and encouraging and unfailingly courteous and gently humourous overall. I am ever grateful, and he helped me to get some respectable grades which helped me to attain a university place.

In one lesson, Stephen allowed the late Matthew Clowes to bring in copies of Beatles lyrics for discussion in class. We all enjoyed that, but I don't think SCW saw them as great literature! I would like to mention that SCW followed on from another inspirational English teacher, Tom Simpson, at my prep school Holmewood House. 

- Clive Rowntree (MO 1969-73) 

To Charlotte Cornell (Former KSC Staff 2008-17):

Mrs Cornell! Where do I even begin? It might seem over the top to say she saved my life, but she really did! From noticing I struggled with finishing exams and getting me support; to advocating for me that one parents evening to study English instead of Law at university; to creating a Wordpress blog for my writing and using her personal bank card to put my writing into several writing competitions. Mrs Cornell changed the trajectory of my life by simply caring. Outside of my professional life as a Creative Project Manager, I’m also a multi-award winning writer and poet— that’s the Mrs Cornell effect. I’m forever striving to keep making her proud. To have someone who wasn’t family believe in me and put such thoughtful actions behind her beliefs meant more than my random out-of-the-blue texts to say thank you could ever convey. Thanks, Charlotte. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

- Modupe Reis (JR 2011-15) 

In memory of Roger Medill (Former KSC Staff 1959-71):

Roger Medill was passionate about the English language and his enthusiasm for certain authors was infectious.  He recited Chaucer beautifully and he left me with an appreciation which developed into a passion for the writing of Jane Austen which has lasted 55 years and counting. Taking us off piste, his love of the arts introduced us to the painting Samuel Palmer and I remember being struck for the first time that great artists from any field can produce great works, but that they are not always quite so inspired.

- Nicky Campbell (MO 1967-72)