PUBLISHED 15 July 2022
Phill Rudd retired this Summer, after thirty-six years at King Edward's School, KEQMS and latterly, AKS. In true form, Phill used his leaving speech to thank a raft of people, from the Headmaster who recruited him, to the many staff he worked with throughout the years, including his pastoral 'oppos' who he praised for, "Your support, hard work dedication and tireless championing of the students has been a credit to you all".
With characteristic dry humour, he told colourful tales of experiences at the school which he has not only shaped the lives of others, but, he confessed, have also had an immeasurable impact on his own.
In particular, he reflected on his fond memories of the various sports tours and trips he has experienced during his time at the school, "...from 34 years of coaching will last a lifetime. I have been so lucky to tour New Zealand three times, Sri Lanka twice, France twice, Italy twice, South Korea, Los Angeles, Malta, Canada and numerous places in the UK". He went on to thank Nick O'Loughlin, "...and all who have kindly invited me on outdoor education trips and the opportunity to walk up Snowdon, Coniston old man, cave in the Yorkshire dales, gorge walk, mountain bike up the Eiger, and ski on the Jungfrau" as well as Ian Cowlishaw for inviting him on the History trip to the Battlefields of Northern France.
He concluded, “This is an amazing and happy school due primarily to its hard working and committed staff who offer such a large breadth of opportunities…
…I hope that this will certainly not be the end, I look forward to watching from the touchline and boundary as an interested spectator in 2022/23. This school has had such an effect on my whole life and for that I will be forever grateful.
I am sad to go, although pleased I feel this way, and will miss everything about this place after 36 years. And so, yet again, thanks for the memories."
Mathematician, sportsman, Head of Middle School and consummate all-round schoolmaster, he leaves a legacy of several generations of grateful and appreciative students and alumni. No matter how old they are, everyone who went to King Edwards seems to have a story about ‘Ruddy’.
We wish you all the best for the future Phill and look forward to welcoming you back on the touchline as our guest in seasons to come!