PAUL EVERSFIELD
Paul ’ s contribution to Sevenoaks has covered aspects which have touched most of us : departmental , sport , CCF , Service , administration , and of course , social . He is one of those Common Room characters who make an immediate impression , and then leave a big hole when they ’ re gone .
After gaining a degree from Oxford , he honed his classroom skills at a few places before joining us in 2006 as Head of the then Economics and Business Studies department . Such was his effectiveness that he was also asked to do a stint as Head of Faculty . Hugely successful as a teacher , his results were second to none , due to his organisation and requirement that his students maintained the same meticulous discipline that he applies to everything . For several years he also took on the critical role of timetabler , where his detailed planning , insight and pragmatism ensured early publication and the added bonus that I never remember him being scheduled to teach on Saturday mornings !
Sport is one of Paul ’ s big passions . He has coached teams in many sports over the years , but for those of us who know him well , it is his involvement ( and competitiveness ) in staff football , cricket , squash , padel tennis , and the attached social life , which have brought us close . Oh , and golf ! Paul and I have played many , many times over the years , maybe accounting for nearly one per cent of his rounds . One of his proudest achievements was to finally win the annual staff golf tour at his 10th attempt , donning the Orbillians ’ coveted green jacket .
Paul met and married his wife , Sarah , at Sevenoaks and is a doting father to their two girls . They are lucky that he will have more time to give to them as they move to Repton for Sarah to take up her new role .
Paul Bassett
SARAH EVERSFIELD
It ’ s hard to imagine Sevenoaks without Sarah ! We bid farewell to a wonderful teacher , passionate games coach and stalwart Assistant Housemistress who has been fully embedded within our school community during her 11 years here .
I remember the first time I met Sarah ; despite being a newly qualified teacher , she oozed competence . Incredibly efficient and enthusiastic , it was no surprise that Sarah was appointed Assistant Housemistress during her second year of teaching . She has that rare ability to combine a sense of fun with careful adherence to the rules . Whether coaching GIH ’ s rounders team , organising house events or ensuring boarders follow the rules , Sarah is consistent and kind in her approach ; once a boarder herself , she knows all the tricks of the trade too . Moreover , she has shown great compassion to the GIH girls in her care over the last 10 years , as well as attention to detail when it comes to guiding her tutees through the IB .
Sarah has a formidable reputation as an English teacher too ; she is one of those teachers who will never be forgotten by her students . At a recent OS 10 Year Reunion , I overheard one of Sarah ’ s former students saying , ‘ You just made English so basic ,’ – a compliment she was delighted with !
Sarah ’ s true passion is hockey and our students have been fortunate to be coached by her . Always first at the sessions and last to leave , there is no doubt that Repton will continue to foster this passion of Sarah ’ s and she continues her role as England U21 manager .
To me personally , Sarah has been invaluable , a constant source of support and guidance – you could say we ’ ve ‘ grown up ’ together – our children certainly have ! Her departure is a huge loss to Sevenoaks , but as she embarks on a new chapter at Repton , there is no doubt that she will make a wonderful housemistress , and we wish her , Paul , Annabel and Jessica all the very best .
Charlotte Smith
150 VALETE