Meet The Head: Alan Stevens, Barnard Castle School

With his country tweed jacket, professorial air and book-lined study Alan Stevens looks every inch the minor public school headmaster.

But it might surprise outsiders how much fee-paying Barnard Castle School - opened in 1886 contributes to the local community.

It already lends teachers to local state primary schools - particularly their highly-rated sports staff – on a regular basis and sixth formers from local state secondary schools use the headmaster’s study for mock Oxbridge interviews.

“Of course there are really elitist, extremely wealthy independent schools at one end of the spectrum but the vast majority, like us, are in the middle,” says Mr Stevens, in his soft, Northern Irish accent.

“Some politicians have said independent schools should do more for their communities but virtually every independent school is already part of the local community,” he insists.

“We have a much broader intake than people might think and we give back a huge amount of our income in means-tested bursaries,” he says.

While there are entrance tests, if a child has potential and can benefit from an education at Barnard Castle they are given a chance.

“What we can do is add value. We can take a C grade student and help them to get B grades,” he adds.

Brought up in Dungannon, County Tyrone - “200 miles due west of Barnard Castle” – after graduating in history and doing research at Yale University in the US, he has taught in a variety of schools.

Appointed as headmaster at Barnard Castle five years ago he was aware of the school’s “fantastic” reputation, because his father is from the North of England.

“When the opportunity to become headmaster came up I didn’t pass it up,” says Mr Stevens, showing me the school’s impressive wood-panelled dining room, lined with sporting cups and lists of teams going back to before the First World War.

Passing a row of blue chorister’s robes hanging on pegs, Mr Stevens proudly tells me that the school choir recently performed in St Paul’s Cathedral.

Another source of pride is the school’s sporting prowess,with the school’s rugby, girls hockey and squash teams all reaching national finals recently.

The head firmly believes that to do well children need to be happy.

“If you have a happy child they can take risks academically or on the sporting field but happiness comes first.”

With day fees ranging from £2,875 to £4,117 and boarding fees from £5,399 to £7,391 the head is keenly aware that academic results are what parents are mainly looking for.

He is a firm supporter of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, or IGCSE, a more demanding version of the GCSE not recognised in the official school league tables.

“These exams are very valuable,” says Mr Stevens, who believes that the Government will eventually see the error of their ways and recognise IGCSEs.

Five minutes with Alan Stevens

Favourite North-East building and why?

This one, Connolly’s toyshop, in Barnard Castle, or the Anglo-Saxon church at Escomb.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid?

Preparing new cars for a dealer showroom – attention to detail - £40pw

What is the worst job you’ve had?

Never had a job I disliked – whitewashing with lime came close, though, or being an abattoir assistant.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner?

Very little - I suspect that we’d go out: Indian, Chinese or fish and chips?

What would your superpower be?

The power to abolish political parties, a la Rousseau and Washington.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party.

Lief Ericsson, Eddie Izzard, Ernest Shackleton and Mary Kingsley.

Most expensive thing you’ve bought – other than car or house – and how much?

A small gold pendant for my girlfriend around 30 years ago – I saved up weeks of car polishing wages for it. It was relatively expensive for a jobbing student at the time and she is now my wife, so it indirectly caused great expense.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why?

No idea.

Favourite book?

At the moment “The Legacy of Hartlepool Hall” by Paul Torday, but favourite could be anything by Thomas Hardy, probably “The Mayor of Casterbridge.”

When did you last cry?

The last time I read “The Mayor of Casterbridge.” Music can make me dissolve too – especially Tallis.

What is your greatest achievement?

Controlling a dog-sled in the Arctic at night with no-one else around to ask for help. Chilly, but exhilarating and I’m still here to tell the tale.

What’s the best piece of advice in education you’ve ever been given?

Stay in one place for long enough and the pendulum of political progress will hit you twice – once as it makes a reform and later again as it repeals it. It’s quite true.

Favourite animal and why.

Finn, one of my labradors – there is nothing like a good dog, and I should know: my other dog is dreadful.

Most famous person on your mobile phone.

The Finance Minister of a major global economy (not ours) – can’t say more.

What was the last band you saw live?

Texas with Charlene Spiteri – I think they’re making a comeback; they’ve just released a 25th anniversary album, making me feel rather old.

Describe your perfect night in.

Family together, Bushmills whiskey, dogs by the fire.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

No idea, but Dara O’Briain has been mentioned by one or two children.

What irritates you?

Lack of pride in what we do and how we do it.

What’s your secret talent?

I can fly. I can also hit a target from 1000m with a rifle.

In another life I’d be . . .

With either Leif Ericsson or Shackleton, exploring.