Behind the Scenes at Bancroft’s

In this episode of Behind the Scenes at Bancroft’s, we speak to Victoria Talbot, Director of Teaching and Learning and Teacher of Geography.Victoria shares her journey into teaching, reflects on more than 25 years at Bancroft’s, and explains how her role has grown alongside the changing landscape of education.She discusses cognitive science, learning to learn, the value of meaningful feedback, and why adaptability, curiosity and a love of learning remain at the heart of great teaching.

In this fourth episode of Behind the Scenes at Bancroft’s, we speak to Alistair Whibley, Head of Thirds and Teacher of History. Alistair shares his route into teaching and explains how Bancroft's supports pupils through the transition into Year 7, with strong pastoral care and plenty of opportunities to settle in, make friends and build confidence. He also reflects on the ‘BeingBancroft’s’ Diploma, the value of resilience, and how we encourage pupils to become well-rounded, curious and kind young people from day one. 

In this third episode of Behind the Scenes at Bancroft’s, we speak to Kathryn Houghton, Head of Library and Archive.Kathryn shares how a strong reading culture is built across the school, the role the library plays beyond lessons, and how the archive preserves Bancroft’s history.With the National Year of Reading underway, she also outlines new initiatives designed to keep reading at the centre of school life, including Bancroft’s Book of the Year.

In this second episode of Behind the Scenes at Bancroft’s, we speak to Rachael Doogan, Head of Academic Drama and Co-curricular Coordinator.Rachael shares her journey into teaching, why drama matters well beyond the stage, and what makes co-curricular life such an important part of the student experience, with everything from House Performing Arts to Cryptic Crossword Club along the way.

In this first episode of Behind the Scenes at Bancroft’s, we speak to Sam Hayes, Head of Classics, who joined Bancroft’s in September 2025. Sam reflects on his path into teaching, his passion for the ancient world, and what it has been like settling into school life, with a few thoughts on music, running, and life beyond the classroom along the way.