If all this was a revolution it was a revolution by
tradition, led by a Head Man whose commitment
to scholarship and high culture was obvious to
everyone, and whose warmth and humour built
team enthusiasm and momentum.
The discipline system was reviewed and standardised in
relation to the role of the Second Master. The first Head
Man of Winchester ever to do so, he met for thirty
minutes every boy and his parents in the year before
arrival at the School to ensure that boys and parents
knew exactly what the School expected and stood
for. His sharing a Sixth Book div with another don
evidenced his commitment to the School’s academic
heart. The organisation of sport has been conspicuously
improved to result in higher standards of coaching,
much wider boy-satisfaction and more competitive
results. The Remembrance Sunday ceremonies and
the significance of War Cloister have been enhanced.
A ragged House Singing Competition has been
transformed into a showpiece annual event, consistent
with the standard of musical excellence found in the
School generally. In 2007 Winchester College Society
was inaugurated, and in 2008 Winchester entered into
a partnership with a state academy, Midhurst Rother
College, a partnership which flourishes to this day.
The School’s decision, again taken in 2008, only three
years into his headmastership, to abandon A-levels as
inadequate in meeting its academic and intellectual
needs, achieved with singleness of purpose and
harmony, and its taking the lead role in the creation of
the Cambridge Pre-U credential, has restored to dons
the scope of subject teaching that motivates them and
to boys the academic challenge that Wykehamists need.
If all this was a revolution it was a revolution by
tradition, led by a Head Man whose commitment
to scholarship and high culture was obvious to
everyone, and whose warmth and humour built
team enthusiasm and momentum. Ralph Townsend
is a decision-maker, and he could be directive when
necessary, but his modus operandi has been in creating
18 The Wykeham Journal 2015
collegiality across the Common Room and from
there through the School at large; in so doing he has
tapped into a deep Wykehamical vein which made
his leadership both acceptable and effective. The
former Second Master, Rob Wyke, sums him up
approvingly as ‘decisive, fearless and humorous.’
The Head Man was formally appraised four
times during the course of his stewardship;
first in 2006 by Caroline Kay, Fellow of
the College, who concluded thus:
‘There was universal consensus that Dr. Townsend
is a very good thing for Winchester both because
of the difficult past few years and also in absolute
terms. Many expressed pleasure in working with
someone with experience and gravitas who conveys
a strong impression of enjoying his work.’
Then he was appraised in 2008 by Professor
Michael Edwards, Chairman of the Governing
Bodies Association, who included in his report
many comments from dons, some of which were:
‘He has given the School a stronger spiritual life. At his first
staff meeting, he told us that he intended to enjoy himself
and he hoped we would enjoy ourselves too. This is a
wonderfully positive note to strike.’ ‘He demonstrates his
belief in the importance of academic vigour combined with
spiritual, sporting and cultural involvement. It is a pleasure
to be in his company on social occasions and to experience
his intellect and wry sense of humour.’ ‘Dr. Townsend
is probably the finest Head Man I have ever known
(I have taught at five leading HMC/GSA schools).
One cannot fail to respect his intelligence and moral code.
He is exceedingly tolerant – all recognise that.’ ‘The Head
Man is an easy man to get along with; he shows humanity
and compassion, and is prepared to be criticised. If one