DEVELOPMENT
BECKY LOVELOCK APPOINTED AS NEW HEAD OF POCKLINGTON SCHOOL
Following a rigorous and highly competitive recruitment process , the Board of Governors has appointed Becky Lovelock to succeed Toby Seth as Head of the Pocklington School Foundation from 1st September 2025 .
Becky is currently Deputy Head Academic at the prestigious Sydney Grammar School , one of the top private schools in Australia , which has a proven record of empowering boys to achieve excellence . She graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Mathematics and has a Masters in Teaching and Learning from the University of Oxford . Her teaching career to date has provided significant experience of state , independent , girls , boys , co-educational , boarding and day schools .
During her time at Sydney Grammar she has built a strong academic team , championed the use of appropriate technology in the classroom and promoted deep reflection on the role of AI in education . Her time in Australia has included project managing the development of the senior mathematics syllabuses and related resources .
She has previously been a Duke of Edinburgh award co-ordinator and qualified Mountain Leader , she has organised overseas trips and large outdoor concerts , coached canoeing , badminton and netball and is a strong and continual presence on the sidelines at school matches . She also brings a wealth of pastoral experience , including at one time working as a Houseparent of a boarding house , and is highly regarded by her pupils and colleagues .
Becky is married with two teenage children , and she and her family are enthusiastic about becoming an integral part of the Pocklington community .
On her appointment Becky Lovelock said , “ From the moment I set foot in Pocklington School , I could feel the warmth from its caring and inclusive community , and was hugely impressed by all it has to offer . I am equally thrilled and humbled to accept the Governors ’ invitation to lead the Pocklington School Foundation , and cannot wait to get started .”
Jonathan Tilsed , Chair of Governors , shared his enthusiasm saying , “ I am delighted that Becky will be the next Head of Pocklington School . I am sure that she will be a great asset to Pocklington , and we are all looking forward to working with her as she writes a new chapter in the history of the Foundation .”
The community eagerly anticipates the positive and forward-thinking leadership that Becky Lovelock will bring to the Pocklington School Foundation .
PRESIDENT ’ S CUP EXPANDS TO INCLUDE 1ST XI GIRLS ’ HOCKEY
Pocklington School had the honour of hosting this year ’ s eagerly anticipated President ’ s Cup fixture on Saturday 19 October 2024 .
The event saw the Pocklington v Hymers 1st XV boys ’ rugby and 1st XI girls ’ hockey teams compete for the prestigious President ’ s Cup trophies in their respective sports .
Introduced in 2021 as a rugby event , the schools expanded the competition this year to include 1st XI hockey , reflecting the growing enthusiasm for this popular annual fixture and giving equal prominence to girls ’ sport .
The day was an excellent showcase of skill and sportsmanship highlighting the friendly rivalry , camaraderie , and respect between both schools . Although Pocklington were first to score in the rugby match , Hymers came back strongly in the second half to emerge victorious with the final score 3-21 . Over on the astro pitches , Pocklington triumphed in the hockey after dominating in the first half and holding off an attempted comeback from a determined Hymers side in the second . Pocklington won by 3 goals to 2 to secure the inaugural President ’ s Hockey Cup .
After the matches , players , coaches , and invited guests from Hymers gathered for a luncheon hosted by the Headmaster , Toby Seth , and the OP President , Charlie Lambert ( 01-08 ). Parents of the home side ’ s first team players also attended , adding to the day ’ s celebratory atmosphere . The Headmaster extended a warm welcome to everyone before handing over to the OP President who referred to the enduring friendship and family ties between the two schools . This was particularly pertinent with the opposing rugby captains being cousins !
Pocklington ’ s Head of Rugby , Samuel Fox , and Head of Hockey , Ben Byas ( 08-15 ) gave a brief overview of the matches before the OP President presented the trophies to the captains of the winning teams , cementing another memorable chapter in the history of the President ’ s Cup .
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