Blundell's Preparatory School

Since 2011, Andrew Southgate BA Ed (30s). Raised in Maidstone, but ventured westwards for his degree in physical education and history at St Luke’s, Exeter. He spent the first 13 years of his career at Moulsford Prep, ending up as deputy head. Impossibly youthful, he came bounding out of his office to meet us, and his enthusiasm for Blundell’s, Devon, prep schools, children and life in general is infectious. Though he denies it – ‘I talk quite a good game of rugby,’ he says – he looks pretty fit: there is talk of introducing a veterans’ rugby team for keen dads, and he still coaches and referees. Married to Sarah, with two children in the school, Mr Southgate has gone down very well with parents, who appreciate the aspirations and pride he has injected into ‘what was a somewhat complacent offering’, according to one. We also heard ‘passion, energy and buzz, yet willing to take criticism’. Praise indeed.