This summer we said goodbye to a number of valued colleagues from across the school community. Many have served in a wide range of teaching and operational roles, and each has made an important contribution to school life. We thank them all sincerely for their service and wish them every success in the future.

Among them, four long-serving teaching colleagues in particular have left a lasting mark on the school community. 

Adam Benstead (pictured left at an OT BBQ), the school's third longest ever serving teacher, retired after an extraordinary 36 years at the school. His career at Trent includes roles as Head of Rugby and Director of Sport, and many years as a tutor, inspiring and guiding countless pupils through his dedication and passion. Adam’s final lesson ended with a moving ‘guard of honour’ from pupils and staff, and he was also presented with a series of heartfelt video tributes from Old Tridents and past colleagues. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this fitting celebration of his remarkable service.

Also retiring is Lucy Matthews, who leaves after nearly 20 years teaching English and, since 2017, serving as Deputy Head responsible for the school's outstanding co-curricular programme, which now comprises over 150 activities and was most recently recognised in the school's ISI Inspection as an area of 'significant strength'. Also leading on many of the school's charitable activities, including the longstanding support of the Canaan Trust and the Kenyan Schools' project, Lucy's commitment to academic excellence, pastoral care, and leadership has been invaluable, and she departs with the admiration of the entire school community.

After 16 years teaching Modern Foreign Languages, Chris Kelly is embarking on an exciting new adventure overseas. During his time at Trent he held a number of key positions, including Housemaster of Shuker, Head of MFL, Head of Year and Head of Main School. Chris now moves to Japan, where he takes up a new role at Harrow International School. We wish him every success as he begins this exciting new chapter.

Meanwhile, we also say goodbye to Dr Neil Holbrook, who moves on to a new role as Deputy Head at Holygirt School. Over his ten years teaching Economics and Business, six years as Housemaster of Blake, and in his final year taking the additional role as Head of Year 13, Neil made a tremendous difference to the lives of Trent College pupils. His farewell was marked by a lively Blake House BBQ, with many OTs from the past several years returning to share memories and wish him, and his young family, every success in their new chapter.

               
Neil pictured left with daughter Hettie, and right with long-serving members of Blake House team Jo & Emma

Each of these colleagues leaves behind a legacy of dedication, inspiration, and care. They will be greatly missed, and we send them our heartfelt thanks and very best wishes for the future, and look forward to keeping in touch.