'I believe in the power of reading and creative expression'

Meet our new head of English, Ollie Johnson, who is from a family of teachers and believes his subject plays a vital role in our society

Q: What attracted you to apply for a job at RGS?

RGS has a strong reputation for academic excellence across the North and came highly recommended by teacher-friends who work over this side of the Pennines. The unique nature of the school - as a boarding-state-grammar, appealed to me. We were also keen to escape the traffic and busyness of the big city and to get out into the hills more - Ripon is the perfect location for this!

Q: What was your previous job?
I was second in English and head of house at an independent school in South Manchester. Prior to that, I taught English at a large sixth form college in Lancashire.

Q: Why did you decide to go into teaching?
I'm from a family of teachers. Sometimes, I think they tried their best to 'put me off' but their stories always entertained me. I gave it a try, loved being in the classroom, and never really thought about anything else. English is a subject - as with its friends in the humanities and the creative arts - that needs fighting for, and I believe in the power of reading and creative expression both as an essential aspect of human development but also as the bedrock of a free and functioning society. I believe in the broad power of education to influence pupils' lives and society for the better - I was fortunate to have been given a great start in life through my own education and always wanted to pay that forward.

Q: What is the best/worst bit about the job?
Seeing pupils enjoy English is the best bit about the job, closely followed by seeing them grapple - and succeed - with difficult concepts and big ideas.

Q: What was your first impression of the staff and students at RGS?
I remember thinking on interview day that the staff were incredibly welcoming and the pupils were interested, enthusiastic, and courteous. These first impressions really have been borne out by my first few weeks in the job!

Q: How does the environment compare to your previous workplace?
In many respects, these are similar workplaces: selective, aspirational schools committed to the education of the whole person, with a broader focus than only public examination results. RGS is a slightly smaller school, in terms of both pupil and staff numbers, with much more of a community feel and a real sense of belonging.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you face here?
Working out when break time is each day!

Q: How would you describe the RGS school community in three words?

Welcoming, happy, busy

Q: Who or what inspired you when you were at school?
A few of my teachers deserve huge shoutouts: Mr Cowlishaw, my history teacher, showed me the joy of learning about other cultures and challenging ideas. While I loved studying history, Mr Walker, my English teacher, introduced me to the joys of English literature and showed me that fiction can be even more powerful than 'reality' - and demonstrated that true teaching doesn't end at the classroom door. Mr Watt, my rugby coach (now head of rugby at Newcastle RGS), for encouraging me to follow my passions and to, in words that often ring in my ears these days, 'focus on what you're good at, Johnson.'

Q: What subject, if any, did you struggle with at school and how did you overcome this?
In all honesty I enjoyed most of my subjects at school. I had struggled with French, so when I came to take up German for GCSE, I knew that organisation and hard work would be key.

Q: What are your hobbies?
Unremarkably, I read plenty. I'm currently cycling between postmodern American fiction, Japanese crime fiction, and memoirs from those living within different political and social systems. Aside from that, it's all about sport for me. I'm a (below average) five-a-side footballer and most unfortunate in being a Burnley FC season ticket holder. My rugby playing days are behind me, and golf - which I took up in lockdown - is proving to be easier on the knees. I do enjoy hiking and biking at the weekend.

Q: What is your favourite TV programme?
The best TV programme ever made is The Wire. The second best is The West Wing. Some days, I think it might be the other way around.

Q: What would be your ideal holiday?
Skiing!

Q: What would you choose for your last supper?
Chocolate ice cream, a nice steak, and my Grandma's potato salad.

Q: What would you have done if you hadn’t become a teacher?
Once I got over the fact that I would struggle to afford film school, I never seriously thought about anything else.