Cobham
Matthew Way - Housemaster
As a pupil of Pangbourne College Matthew remembers playing hockey against Stowe on the North Front. Before joining Stowe in September 2006, he completed a degree in Politics at University College Swansea and then spent 5 years as an infantry officer in the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment serving in both Northern Ireland and Bosnia during that time. Following a PGCE at the University of Bath, Matthew was Head of History at Forres Sandle Manor School in the New Forest before moving to Kelly College in Tavistock where he was a Housemaster. Matthew is a keen sportsman having played hockey for Reading in the National League, Wales and the Combined Services. He also enjoys cricket and golf. He is married to Kate, who is an Intensive Care Sister, and they have three young children, James, Olivia and Rosie. Rufus the dog completes the family.
Awaiting Photo
Lynne Williams - Matron
Lynne has joined the team at Cobham House after a long and varied career in the NHS as a Registered Nurse, Midwife, School Nurse and Health Visitor. She has two children, namely Helen, who is due to take up a junior doctor's post in London shortly, and Simon, who is studying Radiography in Bristol. Hailing from Devon, she enjoys walking and sailing, and has recently discovered a new interest in music, through singing and learning to play the clarinet. After a happy time spent as a School Nurse at Torquay Boy's Grammar School several years ago, Lynne is looking forward to taking up the Matron's post and a new challenge.
Michael Rickner - Assistant Housemaster and Fourth Form Tutor
I was educated at Wallington County Grammar School for Boys in South London and I read Theology at Exeter University, where I was able to study a variety of topics and most importantly play a high level of Rugby with the University and Professionally with Exeter Chiefs. After University a year playing semi pro rugby followed with Esher. Following that I gained my PGCE in Religious Studies from Oxford University. I came straight into Cobham as Under Housemaster in 2010 and under the tutelage of Mr Way I was able to progress to Assistant Housemaster this year (2011). Cobham is an extremely diverse and friendly House, but is also very successful and it is a privilege to be able to help out in anyway I can.
Simon Dobson - Under Housemaster and Fifth Form Tutor
Before starting at Stowe I have had all manner of occupations, ranging from campsite courier, import/export roles with European companies, a sales career in the computer industry and I also ran my own company for a year or so selling European-language software. More recently, I worked for a few years as a carpet-fitter and floor layer before I decided to take the plunge into the murky world of educating teenagers.
Peter Staples - Third Form Tutor
Peter is well used to boarding school life, having spent nine years as a pupil at Kimbolton, before moving on to teach at boarding schools, both prep and senior schools. He has worked as Head of Department and Deputy Head, and his teaching has largely been in languages and sports. He lives in Northampton and has a daughter, Sian, who has recently decided to emigrate to Australia, where she has secured a teaching post in Melbourne.
James Peppiatt - Head of English and Languages Faculty and Non Resident Tutor
James studied English Literature at Edinburgh University, after which he attended Guildford Law School before spending four year practising as a solictor in the City of London. In 2003, he realised that teaching was where his real passions lay, and so took a PGCE in English at King's College London, before taking up a position at Ibstock Place School, London. James joined Stowe in September 2009. As well as being Head of English and the Languages Faculty, James is also a member of the CCF. He is married with three children (Barnaby, Olivia and Flora) and, when time allows, enjoys fly-fishing, hill-walking, chess and golf.
History of Cobham House
The 3rd Baronet's son was one of Marlborough's generals and became Lord, later Viscount, Cobham. He was the founder of a dynasty that played a major part in politics until Victorian times (producing four Prime Ministers) and the man who rebuilt Stowe House and laid out the present Garden. His legacy in both fields was enhanced by his nephew, Earl Temple, and the Earl's nephew, the Marquess of Buckingham, but rapidly lost under the Dukes. When the male line of the Temples died out, the Cobham viscountcy passed to the Lyttelton family where it still survives - the Viscount presented the prizes at the 1969 Speech Day.
| Housemasters |
|
|
TWG Acland |
1924 - 1930 |
|
JT Hankinson |
1930 - 1936 |
|
David Brown |
1936 - 1943 |
|
Brian Gibson |
1943 - 1944 |
|
David Brown |
1944 - 1962 |
|
Revd Jos Nicholl |
1962 - 1976 |
|
Anthony Lloyd |
1976 - 1990 |
|
Graham Cottrell |
1990 - 2000 |
|
Dr David James |
2000 - 2006 |
|
Matthew Way |
2006 - |