The HM
John Craig’s journey to the Raglan started at a very similar school to Wellington, in Shrewsbury, where he too was a dayboy. From there, he moved to Bristol University where he spent seven very happy years, firstly, as an undergraduate studying English Literature, then as a postgraduate trainee teacher. His first teaching appointment then followed and after three years in a sprawling comprehensive in Keynsham, he moved overseas to Abu Dhabi. During a seven year stint at the British School Al Khubairat, he taught English and was Head of Year in the secondary school, before returning to Britain in summer of 2013. Five years as Head of Year in the Middle School at Dulwich College brought him into the orbit of Wellington for the first time and, since his appointment here in September 2018, he has held various positions, including AHM of The Stanley, Master in Charge of Football and Head of Middle School.
This varied, and somewhat itinerant, professional journey has undoubtedly shaped his character and his outlook on teaching. He has worked alongside thousands of young people over the course of the last twenty years, from just about every nationality on earth, and if there is one lesson he has learned in that time it would be that one should never underestimate our young people and their capacity to succeed.
When John and his wife, Laura, moved to Wellington, they did so as a newly married couple. Soon after, in the spring of 2020, Emilia was born – about a week after the beginning of the first COVID lockdown. Two years later, they were blessed with twins, Ashley and Alfie, and from that moment on, there has not been a dull moment!
The House
The Raglan moves into a superb new facility in September 2024. As a result, there is a wonderful opportunity to further strengthen bonds and friendships, benefit from every advantage on offer at this incredible school. With its bright and airy open spaces, its modern, sophisticated workspaces and its beautiful woodland setting, just a couple of minutes from the main College buildings, the Raglan remains a place where each individual can be proud of who they are. The house ethos is centred around the word ‘be’: all members of the house strive to be present, to be involved, and to be themselves.
Boys in the Raglan also benefit from the support of a superb team. As well as the HM, Matron and AHM, there are eleven tutors each of whom will take responsibility for guiding a handful of boys from the house through the academic year. We all have an extraordinary opportunity to broaden our horizons and encounter that which is new and wonderful on a daily basis; Wellington is the school that never sleeps, there is always something to do. And, more often than not, Raglan boys find themselves right at the heart of things!
