Tony Breslin

Deputy Head Pastoral

What are you most looking forward to as the new Deputy Head Pastoral at Tormead? 

“Empowerment. By promoting Voice and Choice, we will continue to enhance our pupils’ bubbly enthusiasm, natural curiosity and growing intellect, in an environment where they have the chance to know who they are and what they want. From Climate Change to gender equality, young people have led the world in challenging the status quo; our role is to nurture their voice, challenge their ideas and develop their resilience so they really can go make a difference in a life beyond Tormead. I hope that there will be a lot of fun at the same time; I look forward to promoting our House entertainment programme and corralling the staff into some form of seasonal celebration!”

What is your vision for Pastoral Care at Tormead? 

 “A community of belonging, a community safeguarded, a community empowered, a community enjoyed and a community understood. Five key principles offering pupils a place to belong, where their safety is paramount, their voice is heard, their problems understood, and their time is full of happiness and laughter. Our Pastoral Care is already excellent, with a full-time, non-teaching team including health-care lead, pupil support officer and two pastoral support officers and a brand-new Wellbeing Centre to house them; I would like to see ‘excellent’ turn into ‘the best’. Working together with pupils and parents is an essential element to this vision.”

What’s your most favourite thing about being Deputy Head Pastoral? 

“Unfortunately I’m not in the History classroom anywhere near as much as I have enjoyed previously in my career; but as Deputy Head Pastoral I now enjoy meeting students from across the entire school, which is incredibly rewarding and forms a key part of my role. One of my favorites also includes working closely with the Student Council to ensure we are developing an environment which is centered on the needs of its community.”

Do you have any hobbies, that you partake in outside of work? 

I am a BIG Brighton and Hove Albion fan, with a season ticket for escapism (not always joyful escapism). You will usually find my Dad and I at the Amex or an away day, shouting towards the pitch. It’s the only form of shouting that I subscribe to!

I am part of a downhill ski team that takes part in the Mürren Inferno downhill, the longest amateur downhill race in the World. It’s fast and furious, especially when I manage to stay upright. 

Apart from that, you will find me cycling or rambling over the Surrey Hills.”

Where next?

Staff and Governors