JUNIOR SCHOOL
MR TOM SAVILL HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
MR JON ABBOTT HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL 2011-21
WHEN TWO HEADS DISCUSS ONE
The end of the first semester of 2022 will also signal the end of another amazing chapter in our School ’ s rich history , with the Tom Batty era reaching its conclusion . As Heads of the Junior School , we both feel privileged to have worked alongside such a wonderful leader and educator . Equally , the boys , staff and families of our Junior School have been very fortunate to have had his influence and guidance over them during this period .
This article focuses on a conversation we had about Mr Batty ’ s influence , and a few questions asked by the current Head of Junior School to his predecessor , with a particular focus on Mr Abbott ’ s longer working relationship with the Principal of Scotch College .
TOM SAVILL – HEAD OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL JON ABBOTT – HEAD OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL , 2011-21
Tom Savill :
As Principal of the entire School it can be very challenging to have an authentic connection to all aspects of the institution . What did Mr Batty ’ s connections to the Junior School and its boys look like in practice ?
Jon Abbott :
While it is true to say that Tom ’ s experience and main area of expertise has been in the secondary and boarding areas of our School , that does not mean that he has not had a keen interest in and love for the younger members of Scotch . Tom would regularly pop over to the Junior School to spend time with staff , to be among the boys , and to support the many and varied activities that make up the culture of the Junior School .
Indeed , one of his favourite times was to drop in unexpectedly at the end of the day and stand outside the Junior School gate as the boys departed for home , engaging with them , having fun with them , and checking on how their day had gone . Equally , the boys loved to see him there and enjoyed participating in banter with him , always respectful of his position but equally comfortable to share a joke with Mr Batty . Tom Batty has the wonderful ability to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome , and the boys loved this side of him . He possesses in abundance that wonderful quality called ‘ the common touch ’ and the boys love him all the more because of this .
10 Great Scot Issue 165 – April 2022