Five Minutes With...Dr John Price

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Taking the helm just under 12 months ago, headmaster of Worksop College and Ranby House, Dr Price, has had quite the first year.

Based across two sites in the middle of beautiful North Nottinghamshire countryside, the independent school educates children aged 2-18, offering day, flexi-boarding and full boarding places.

And as the school gets ready to re-open its doors, Dr Price reflects on lockdown and how staff, families and pupils have managed.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed,” said Dr Price.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
John PriceJohn Price
John Price

“We resumed teaching online in the summer term, with face-to-face lessons and a full programme from 8.30am-4pm every day.

"The way staff and pupils adapted was amazing.

"We had everything from online assemblies and sports tuition to music lessons and cookery.

"In many ways, lockdown taught us all to think differently and allowed us to be creative – that’s incredibly positive.”

LunchtimeLunchtime
Lunchtime
Read More
Five Minutes With...Jason Peterkin

The school has seen a significant increase in enquires over the last six months, with some pupils even joining part way through the summer term – getting involved in remote lessons.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I believe what we offered plays a big part in the increased interest in our school,” continued Dr Price.

"We were absolutely determined to offer our young people a sense of normality and to run almost every type of lesson we had before lockdown – albeit in a different way.”

..
.

The school will see some more changes this September, as they get set to welcome children from age two for first time in the school’s history.

“This is just the beginning," explained Dr Price.

“Interest in our nursery provision has increased significantly since we announced the change and so the next step will be to look at a provision for under twos, and potentially babies.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Our junior school Ranby House sits on 60 acres, with an abundance of outdoor space, including a ‘mud kitchen’ in the forest.

..
.

"It really is the most idyllic place for little ones to begin their learning journey.”

Dr Price is a great believer in the holistic approach to education and the importance of discovering talent in young people, ultimately leading to a growth in confidence and self-esteem.

“Whilst realising academic potential is paramount, I believe passionately in the importance of emotional intelligence,” he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There will be an increasing ne ed for young people to develop such skills to be successful in the workplace of the future”.

This philosophy has led quickly to the introduction of a co-curricular and life skills programme at the senior school which will see young people taught important skills such a public-speaking, understanding mortgage rates, and even how to change a car tyre.

“These are skills that are important in any walk of life,” said Dr Price.

“We’re really excited to be launching this programme and have had overwhelming support from our parents.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

AS well as life skills, students at Worksop College and Ranby House have a full co-curricular programme that covers everything from sailing to Zumba, Eco Club to robotics.

Running every day after academic lessons finish, as well as a Saturday morning, the programme is included in the fees – giving parents the flexibility to opt in and out of what suits them, their child and their family circumstances.

And what of the future as schools go back and teaching staff contemplate how a ‘second wave’ or isolated lockdowns might impact learning?

“While we are hopeful a second wave of COVID will not impact school, we’re fully prepared,” he explained.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Remote learning will resume and we’ll continue to teach our young people online, as we did for eight weeks.

"In many ways, this simply teaches pupils resilience and adaptability and we know that with the right support, care and attention, we’ll get through whatever challenges lie ahead.”

Worksop College’s story dates back to the 19th century when the school was founded by Victorian educational reformer, Canon Nathaniel Woodard.

After his death in 1891, it was left to Henry Meynell to ensure that Woodard’s vision was realised, and the college opened in September 1895, with just five Masters and 44 boys.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A generous gift of land from the Duke of Newcastle’s Clumber estate has been extended over the years to provide the 330-acre estate on which the college stands today.

To learn more about Worksop College and Ranby House, visit wsnl.co.uk

The college is a member of Bawtry Retail Association (BRA) which was formed in 2011.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1925
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice