Episode 33: GRAHAM ELLIS, Former Scottish Rugby International and Principal of Brookes UK, Independent School near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

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Graham Ellis played rugby for Scotland and is now the Principal of leading independent school - Brookes UK.
In this podcast episode Graham talks about his love of rugby from a young boy. He attended one of Scotland’s most prestigious independent schools, Hawick, where he jokes that you were given two choices on arrival – horses or rugby! He took rugby! He was taught by the late great Bill McClaren, one’s of Scotland’s finest international rugby commentators, and Graham tell us about Bill’s huge influence on his life – which he carried through with him to playing for Scotland himself, and as a PE teacher right to this day.

Graham talks about playing with some of Scotland’s most famous rugby players, including Scott Hastings, Gary Armstrong and the formidable Brewster Brothers. Graham describes himself as a reasonable player – but claims his success was due to hard work and dedication to the game. It paid off! He played in all matches for Scotland during the 1997 Five Nations. Graham talks about what it was like to play for his country in some of those very well known stadiums.

Graham moved from Scotland when he married and lives in Suffolk with his family.

Graham is now the Principal of independent school, Brookes UK – a highly regarded school locally here in Suffolk and across the world. Brookes UK has an incredible ethos and breaks the mould of prestigious 'long driveway' independent schools by shining a needful light on an alternative approach to day schooling and boarding.

Graham is evidently, and genuinely, passionate about the school and every student within it. From 2 years to sixth form, small classes with a maximum of 15 students, he believes Brookes offers a secure, happy and positive learning environment for children of all backgrounds and abilities. There is no exam to pass to get into Brookes, children are welcomed on the basis of their ability to a degree, but also their character and what they can bring to the school – and importantly, what they will get out of an education at Brookes.

Graham talks about the flexi-boarding – with some students from across the globe as well as local students who may be weekly boarders or occasional borders – “it’s helpful for their parents to be able to put their children in for a night now and again – or a weekend” he says. The borders are looked after by a young live-in family – and they very much all live as a family. Graham and his team have perfected a strong and positive cultural balance - which they believe is critical for children to take on into their adult life.

Brookes UK offers an all-round education, academically, as well as in sports, arts, drama and music.

Students return to Brookes for the Summer term and Graham is bringing in some extra Teaching Assistants to support children through this critically important term following pandemic restrictions. Graham thanks his wonderful team of staff, the children and the parents for their relentless support through this last and difficult year.

To find about more about Brookes UK or to get in touch with Graham please contact him or any member of staff through their website: uk.brookes.org. You can also follow the school on Instagram.

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