School Field, 2 Barby Road, Rugby, CV22 5DR
Tel: +44 (0) 1788 556 160 | Email: schoolfield@rugbyschool.net
ABOUT THE HOUSE
School Field, designed by George Gilbert Scott and built in 1852 overlooking the Close, became the first boarding House, apart from School House, to be owned by the School. It is also the House where Rupert Brooke lived as a child and took over from his father as Housemaster for a term. The House was redeveloped to change the accommodation available during 1997-98 and was further redeveloped and modernised in the summer of 2014.
School Field is home for up to 55 boys who all have their own study bedroom from the day they arrive. The House features separate common rooms for the year groups as well as a mixed common room; these areas, which are all equipped with TVs and a kitchenette each, are the perfect space for the boys to relax and socialise away from their packed timetable. The House is well-known for its sporting prowess, and its proximity to the historic Close with its spacious New Big Side neighbour, maintains the high level of rugby football and cricket played by the boys. The Music Schools and Macready Theatre are also nearby and boys will often avail themselves of the chance to take on extra music practice or to attend drama rehearsals. The Temple Reading Room (library) is across the road – another benefit of School Field’s central position on the School campus.
Housemaster
Mark Fowle joined School Field as Housemaster in September 2022. He has been a History and Politics teacher since 2011, teaching at Pimlico Academy, Parliament Hill School and JAGS in London before returning to his native West Midlands in 2020. Having attended state schools in Birmingham and Warwickshire, Mark gained a first class degree in History and Politics at the University of Sheffield, before gaining a PhD in Politics and International Studies at Warwick University. His thesis focused on peacebuilding and reconciliation – a useful foundation for running a boarding house! Mark trained as a teacher with Teach First, qualifying with a PGCE from UCL, and remains passionate about teaching and learning. Having worked closely with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust in the past, Mark wants to put wellbeing, mental health and belonging at the heart of School Field. He has set up an antiracism course as part of Rugby 360, and wants to ensure all students in School Field feel they can be themselves. Mark is proud of his town and the wider region, and wants all the boys to leave Rugby with sense of place. Mark loves being with his wife Rebekah, an NHS counselling psychologist, three children and dog Sadie. Cycling, cricket, real ale and following Aston Villa are his other vital interests! Mark enjoys meeting prospective students and parents and is always available for tours.
Deputy Housemaster
Mike Bayly joined School Field after a five years as DHm in Griffin House. He supports the boys by encouraging them to make the most of all the wonderful opportunities Rugby School has to offer, both academically and in a co-curricular sense.
The School’s Director of Rugby, Mike taught Biology and Physical Education Bishops in South Africa, where he also coached rugby, cricket and athletics and was an assistant housemaster in a boarding house. He was also actively involved in the JAG Foundation as Director of Coaching, running sports clinics and a Bully-Proof Campaign for underprivileged school children.
Mike initially left the teaching profession to play rugby professionally, and after 66 professional appearances (33 as captain), he took up a coaching role. After his playing career, Mike took up triathlon, has completed an Ironman and The Epic, nine-day multi-stage mountain bike race. He and his wife, Shayne have a daughter, who works as an accountant in London and a son nearing the end of his Engineering degree in South Africa.
Matron
Liz joined School Field at the start of 2020 following a long career within the NHS that started in the Ambulance Service and included five years in a secondary school. Her work has been primarily centred around the care and welfare of children and young people, having specialised in paediatric healthcare.
Now her focus is on the smooth running of the House and the care and well-being of the boys while they are away from home. She is happy to report the boys do make her smile every day. Liz also has two grown up children of her own.
Her interests include quality family time, travelling the globe and the arts. Liz also enjoys baking and making preserves and chutneys from home-grown produce. Liz and her husband John enjoy sports such as rugby, cricket and motorsports, she even rides a Triumph motorcycle!