S
teve Gray was appointed to teach
physics at King's in September
1975, and stayed at King's ever
since - 38 utterly memorable years. He
has served the Science department with
energy and distinction, filling the roles of
Head of Physics and Head of Science,
before moving on to the position of
Assistant Director of Studies. This led to
his appointment as Director of Studies, a
post he held for the last 15 years of his
time at King's.
As a result of his skill in the classroom,
he has seen many of his pupils follow in
his footsteps to read sciences at Keble
College, Oxford, and in his final GCSE
class, 18 out of 19 pupils gained A*
grades - and he would like it pointed out
that the 19th was a mere two marks
away! Such academic achievement lies
at the very bedrock of a place like King's.
He has left an indelible mark on sport at
King's, coaching the Senior Colt B rugby
team for many years - indeed he counts
as one of his happiest memories his
unbeaten season with that team. A keen
thespian, he has thrown himself into
drama productions, performances that are
etched in the memory, though he himself
feels he was a "fairly hopeless pirate."
When asked about any advice he would
pass down to more recent additions to
the teaching staff, he said "Don't try to
change the ethos of the school. Realise
that, although teaching is the most
important aspect, you have to throw
yourself into the vast range of extracurricular
activities on offer at King's.
Keep a sense of humour and try to laugh
at least once a day."
His fondest memories would be the
companionship amongst colleagues,
shared aims and friendly parents. "I would
spend many hours on the way back from
away cricket or rugby fixtures thinking, well
that was a really nice school we've just
been to. Just not as good as King's." It
was always good to get back and share a
beer and a few stories with colleagues.
He brought a forensic intelligence and
endless reserves of energy to running the
academic life of King's, and will be, in
every way, a hard act to follow.
Steve Gray
10
Pete McKegney with son Charlie after
father's Under 14s from King's had
beaten son's Under 14s from
Cheltenham College
Pete McKegney P
ete McKegney arrived at King's in
1973, the year after John Lee,
which means he devoted 40 years
of unstinting service to the school. His first
taste of management responsibility came
within three years when he became Head
of Careers, a post he held for nine years.
Soon after that he was appointed Head of
Economics and Business Studies, indeed it
was he who introduced the A Level subject
of Business Studies to King's.
He was heavily involved in the pastoral
life of King's throughout his time here -
he was resident assistant for four years in
Woodard house, followed by four more
years in Neate's. But his greatest
pastoral contribution was his hugely
successful 12 years as housemaster of
Tuckwell. He was a hugely popular
housemaster, running the house with a
terrific sense of fun, and always
encouraging those in the house to give
things a go. Tuckwell Children in Need
evenings were a feature of his time in
charge, and he has many fond memories
of his years over the road in the Convent.
But even throughout his hectic time
running Tuckwell, he never wavered in his
contribution to sport at King's. He was
2nd XV rugby coach for 25 seasons, his
teams invariably living up to their
reputation as 'Paddy's War Machine'. He
later moved to the Under 14s where he
proved equally skilled at working with
younger pupils for 13 years, and he was
put in charge of managing the whole of
the King's rugby operation.
One of his most memorable moments of
rugby at King's was when the 1st VII won
the Rosslyn Park Sevens a few years ago,
with his son playing in the victorious side
- a proud moment indeed for a proud
father.
He also ran the canoe club for 30 years,
helped with Chindit Camps and CCF
Easter Camps, ran the Senior Social Club
bar for eight years, and the Leavers' Ball
for four years. In 2010 he joined the
Senior Management Team as Director of
Extra-Curricular Activities.
King's will be a very different place now
that Pete has finally "hung up his boots",
and we wish him and his wife Hilary
many years of happiness in retirement.