John Green, Headmaster of Seaford College, Petworth, has an appetite for healthy food, golf and songs with lyrics he can sing along with

Originally published in A+ Education South East Autumn 2015.

If you hadn’t become a teacher what would have you done instead? - I would have most likely become a police officer or even an orthopaedic surgeon. I have always had an interest in sports injuries due to two knee reconstructions.

Was there any type of school dinner that you couldn’t stand? - No, I have always enjoyed all school food. I’m not fussy.

What is your favourite film and why? - Recently, my favourite film has become Les Miserables. It’s a true epic and thoroughly entertaining.

What were your favourite lessons at school? - Economics and sport.

Your Desert Island Disc(s)… - Green Green Grass because it would remind me of home, my home environment, my family and my friends. I sang it at Seafordstock, Seaford’s own rock and pop concert, this year in order to raise funds for the choir tour to Paris. Also, ‘American Pie,’ because it’s a great tune with lyrics you can really sing along to.

How do you relax? - I relax by reading when I can, I also relax by spending time with my family, or by regularly looking for my golf balls in the rough when out playing golf. Seaford has a fantastic 9-hole golf course, where students can learn the game, and parents also really enjoy using it too. It’s great to have a golf course on your doorstep.

What is the one thing that makes you most proud of where you work? - The Seaford ethos, which is all around, inclusive and most definitely non-elitist. Seaford College is a warm, friendly, community where pupils feel confident to attain personal bests both inside and outside of the classroom.

If you could be the Prime Minister for a day what’s the first thing that you would do? - I would review the educational strategic plan and examination system. I would like to review the purpose and transparency of league tables.

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School of thought

Maths or English? - English. I really enjoy literature and am naturally more drawn to the subject.

School dinners or packed lunches? - Both. I’m always hungry, and although I avoid sweet things for health reasons, I do occasionally indulge – everything in moderation. Having a background in professional rugby really gives me an understanding of the right foods I should be eating.

Newsletter or Twitter? - Newsletter but slowly joining the Twitter bandwagon. At Seaford we find Facebook is a great place for our parents to have a dialogue and communicate, and we have an extensive following from alumni. It’s great to communicate with people who choose to follow you, and reaching a wider audience is a definite advantage of social media.

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