Nub News' third and final part of our UP CLOSE trilogy with Royal Hospital School headmaster Simon Lockyer ends on his considered, but no nonsense view on youngsters being blamed for the spread of the coronavirus, the value of exam results and what happens after pupils leave RHS

I'm no Jeremy Paxman but do have a pretty enquiring mind and there were certain aspect about Simon's life as the RHS headmaster I felt Peninsula Nub News readers would want to know about. It was clear over the long interview that someone who enjoys boxing training as a way of staying fit was not going to duck a question, and he never hesitated in his response (apart from whether he should name a notoriously shy but vital staff member) and unflinchingly backed his school and its students when wider held perceptions were put to him.

You will have read in the first two parts the importance to Simon of diversity, the school's participation of the wider community and how he continues to meld modern education with the heritage, charitable aims and tradition of the 87-year-old RHS and the even older Greenwich Trust.

Asked about the blame being apportioned to young people for the spread of the coronavirus Simon was steadfast in his support for his students and said: "I feel particularly sorry for what is now the Year 14, for the way they have had to deal with A-level results, going to universities and what that entails.

"It would be unfair, and entirely inappropriate, for us to demonise young people for the way they have behaved - this situation is not something of their making."

"Children are naturally gregarious and do not have the same concept of risk physiologically. The pre-frontal cortex does not develop until later on in your 20s. We know that so that is why they are not so risk averse generally. We can't blame them for not having the same context of risk as you and I have.

"Do they understand we are living in unusual times? Yes they do, absolutely.

"I talk to the pupils at assemblies, through Zoom or whatever and they understand the role they have to play

"They are keen to behave in a way that mean m they can stay in school for as long s possible and in my experience while, yes they find it difficult to stay away from their friends but the structure we have in place is important.

"They understand, they have grandparents they or parents who are immunised suppressed or going through chemo or difficult processes

"So, it is unfair when we say it is about young people's behaviour, because that is not my experience."

That said, coronavirus remains a concern for all and although Babergh remains one of the least affected districts in the countries, the rise in infection rates within Suffolk and further afield is something the school is well aware of and reacts to accordingly.

Dealing with risk is something Simon and his team have experience in and, helped by old buildings built with space in mind, he is confident the pupils and staff will stay safe, and in turn ensure the safety of the wider community.

He said: "We are fortunate to have spacious, wide corridors so social distancing is not as big a challenge as it would be in smaller school.

"We communicate on a regular basis with the House and pastoral staff, tutors and parents conduits with messages going home on a regular basis.

"We respond to local situation in terms of numbers being presented, we speak with Holbrook and Shotley surgeries, which means if there is a spike we can make considered decisions."

Simon cites a recent example when a trip to London by boarders was cancelled due to an increased risk and the students accepted the decision.

"The pupils agree because they understand the rules are there to protect them as well," Simon explained.

Covid aside, Simon looks ahead with positivity and while he will not mark his own homework and comment on his achievements at the school so far, he knows what else he wants to do for his pupils.

"I will let other people make those judgements," he said. "For me it is about making sure our broad education suits our children in a post Covid world. Are GCSEs relevant, are we preparing children for what they need?

"My focus is to ensure the pupils' academic achievements reflect their potential and other abilities so they are not undersold.

" It is about maintaining and articulating the heritage and using the school as springboard between childhood and adulthood. providing that continuum."

For Simon it is not just about what the pupils active while they are at RHS, but what happens to them after.

While John Courtney may make the headlines by making it as a finalist in Britain's Got Talent, the huge army, or should that be fleet?, of old boys and girls is being called upon to support the current crew as they leave RHS.

"That is where the alumni come as the pupils move on," said Simon. "There is work still to be done on engaging with pupils as they leave so we stay in touch with them and there is wok to be done with that continuum.

"That could mean university ambassadors who are ex RHS in Leeds or wherever a pupil goes, it is about a career network across the country from Portsmouth to Edinburgh where our alumni and new graduates help or youngsters."

And with that, and ensuring all the pipes are in good order, Simon poses for photos, speaks to a passing student about his mum's welfare and sees me out before going back to firefight the next issue as befits a top headmaster at a top, diverse and community inclusive school rich in heritage while embracing the future.

That includes planning permission for a new cafe which will be open to visitors, but more of that another time.

To read Simon Locker first UP CLOSE interview link here...

To read Simon Locker's second UP CLOSE interview link here...

Link here to go to book on the next RHS virtual tour and for the full prospectus, frequently asked questions and more...