Surrey


<p>Ryan Ardé has been headmaster at <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/school-reviews/micklefield-school-reigate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Micklefield School</a> in Reigate since September 2019. Micklefield joined the Reigate Grammar School family in 2024, but still retains strong links to other local senior schools.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/Micklefield-251-1000x667.jpg" alt="Ryan Arde, head teacher at Micklefield School in Reigate, Surrey." class="wp-image-58892" style="aspect-ratio:1.4992503748125936;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/Micklefield-251-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/Micklefield-251-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/Micklefield-251-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/Micklefield-251-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/Micklefield-251.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-30-second-elevator-pitch-for-your-school-sell-it-nbsp"><strong>30 second elevator pitch for your school – sell it! </strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Micklefield isn’t just a school &#8211; it’s a family. Built on kindness, respect, resilience, and responsibility, our close-knit community is one where older children look out for the younger ones, teachers truly care, and every child feels safe, supported, and valued.</p>



<p>With an exciting and fun curriculum, we help children discover their passions, take on new challenges, and grow in confidence—knowing we’re right behind them every step of the way. This strong foundation sets them up for success at the ‘right fit’ senior school and in life beyond.</p>



<p>We also believe great education is a team effort. That’s why we build strong relationships with parents, working together to ensure each child is happy, thriving, and ready for whatever comes next.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-top-three-things-to-tackle-in-your-inbox"><strong>What are the top three things to tackle in your inbox? </strong> </h3>



<ol>
<li>Curriculum matters and activities&nbsp;</li>



<li>Meetings</li>



<li>Senior School communication</li>
</ol>



<p></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-would-you-like-to-star-as-ryan-arde-in-the-movie-of-your-life"><strong>Who would you like to star as Ryan Ardé in the movie of your life? </strong> </h3>



<p>Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-ve-been-given-a-1m-donation-for-the-school-what-will-you-spend-it-on-nbsp"><strong>You’ve been given a £1m donation for the school, what will you spend it on? </strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>I would dedicate the funds to two transformative initiatives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>First, I would prioritise the expansion of our Nursery, the vital starting point for our young Micklefieldians on their educational journey. Children’s neural pathways develop rapidly in the first five years of life and positive and exciting learning experiences at the Nursery stage ensure those all-important connections are properly formed. We have a wonderful school ready programme in place, but I would love to develop this even further.</p>



<p>Second, I envision creating an extraordinary adventure playground for all our children at Micklefield. This exciting space would feature a range of thrilling elements, including an adventurous climbing structure, zip lines, climbing walls, nature play areas and trampolines. My hope is that this playground would become a vibrant hub for exploration, fostering a spirit of risk-taking within a safe and supportive environment.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-describe-your-own-childhood-school-days-nbsp"><strong>Describe your own childhood school days</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>I had the privilege of growing up in South Africa, where I enjoyed a nurturing and enriching school experience. My love for learning blossomed because my teachers had a unique ability to make lessons engaging and enjoyable, motivating me to push my boundaries and strive for excellence.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Much like Micklefield, my school offered a wealth of activities and opportunities beyond the classroom. From diverse clubs to athletic fixtures, we had countless chances to represent our school in both sports and cultural endeavours, including sports events, performing arts, and festivals. These enriching experiences not only shaped my education but also instilled in me a passion for exploration and achievement.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-was-the-common-theme-of-ryan-arde-s-school-reports"><strong>What was the common theme of <strong>Ryan Ardé</strong></strong>&#8216;s<strong> school reports? </strong> </h3>



<p>To be completely candid, my passion for the outdoors and eagerness for afternoon sports often drew my attention away from academics. As a result, my teachers occasionally nudged me to consider the importance of maintaining a balanced focus between classroom studies and athletic activities throughout the year.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-worst-teachers-at-your-childhood-school-and-why-nbsp"><strong>Favourite/worst teachers at your childhood school and why?</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>My favourite teacher was a remarkable man named Mr Nicol, who inspired me during my time at Junior School. He became our Headmaster during my final two years and completely transformed the school&#8217;s culture. Mr Nicol introduced awards for academic achievement and established roles of responsibility for students, motivating us to challenge ourselves, embrace risks, and pursue new goals. He also brought in new sports like badminton and squash, which he personally coached, encouraging students to explore new activities. I can honestly say that many of my successes in the schools I&#8217;ve led have been influenced by the invaluable lessons and experiences I gained under his leadership.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-and-worst-subject-at-school-nbsp"><strong>Best and worst subject at school? </strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>My best subject was maths, and my worst was metal work at Senior School.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-did-you-go-to-uni-nbsp"><strong>Where did you go to uni?</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>I went to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, South Africa.  </p>



<p>I completed my National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) here in England through the National College for Teaching &amp; Leadership&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-did-you-study-nbsp"><strong>What did you study?</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>I qualified in Secondary Education, specialising in English, Geography and Physical Education.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-was-your-high-and-low-of-student-life-nbsp"><strong>What was your high and low of student life?</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>One of the highlights of my university experience was the vibrant social scene. I loved connecting with like-minded individuals who were not only eager to enjoy life but also dedicated to shaping their futures.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, I wasn&#8217;t particularly fond of the termly exam weeks. Despite the stress and pressure they brought, I remained resilient and focused, ultimately navigating them successfully.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-weren-t-a-head-what-would-you-be-nbsp"><strong>If you weren’t a head, what would you be?</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>If I weren&#8217;t in a leadership role, I would love to be a marine biologist. While I truly enjoy being a head, my passion for the ocean and its remarkable ecosystems draws me to explore the incredible diversity of marine life. The chance to study and interact with the fascinating creatures that inhabit the sea would be a dream come true!&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-describe-what-s-on-your-work-desk-nbsp"><strong>Describe what’s on your work desk…</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>My PC with two screens, post-it notes so I don’t forget anything, my notebook, telephone, calculator and a coffee mug.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-what-s-in-the-top-drawer-nbsp"><strong>And what’s in the top drawer</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Certificates and stickers for awards, paper clips, more post it notes, highlighters, sticky tape, chocolates and sweets to keep me going. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2027" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/book-BFG-Roald-Dahl.jpg" alt="The cover of BFG by Roald Dahl." class="wp-image-58893" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/book-BFG-Roald-Dahl.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/book-BFG-Roald-Dahl-592x800.jpg 592w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/book-BFG-Roald-Dahl-740x1000.jpg 740w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/book-BFG-Roald-Dahl-296x400.jpg 296w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/book-BFG-Roald-Dahl-768x1038.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/book-BFG-Roald-Dahl-1137x1536.jpg 1137w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tell-us-your-favourite-books-in-childhood-uni-and-now"><strong>Tell us your favourite books – in childhood, uni and now.</strong> </h3>



<p>My favourite book as a child was <em>The BFG</em> by Roald Dahl. At university, it was <em>One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest</em> by Ken Kesey. An my favourite book now is called <em>Outliers</em> by Malcom Gladwell.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-best-school-trip-childhood-or-current-you-ve-ever-been-on-nbsp"><strong>What’s the best school trip (childhood or current) you’ve ever been on? </strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The best school trip I&#8217;ve ever experienced was during Year 4, when our entire class ventured to Zulu Land in South Africa to delve into the history of Shaka Zulu. It was an unforgettable journey, as we gained invaluable insights into the conflict with the British. Standing on the very grounds of Rorke’s Drift (where the battles were fought) and reenacting those historic events, truly brought history to life for me. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-play-book-and-film-should-be-on-every-child-s-cultural-bucket-list-nbsp"><strong>What play, book and film should be on every child’s cultural bucket list?</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Play – <em>The Lion King  </em></p>



<p>Book &#8211; <em>Sky Hawk</em> by Gill Lewis </p>



<p>Film – <em>The Never-Ending Story  </em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-want-to-hide-from-the-kids-and-staff-for-half-an-hour-where-do-you-go-nbsp"><strong>If you want to hide from the kids and staff for half an hour, where do you go?  </strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such wonderful kids and staff at Micklefield but even the best environments benefit from a little downtime. Every Friday around lunchtime, I take a short walk to a serene seating area about 500 metres from the school. It’s a peaceful place where I can reflect on the week’s events, gather my thoughts, and return refreshed.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-song-you-sing-at-full-volume-when-everyone-s-gone-home-nbsp"><strong>The song you sing at full volume when everyone’s gone home?</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Queen &#8211; <em>We are the Champions. </em>But I am always willing to sing along with the current hits on the radio. If no one else is in the car…… of course. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-advice-would-you-give-to-a-younger-ryan-arde"><strong>What advice would you give to a younger <strong>Ryan Ardé</strong>?</strong> </h3>



<p>Think before you speak!&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-your-current-students-nbsp"><strong>And your current students?</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Always try your best but if things don’t go to plan, it isn’t the end of the world. It is ok to make mistakes, this is how we learn! </p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.micklefieldschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Micklefield School and Nursery</a> is an independent day school for children aged 2 to 11 years in central Reigate. It’s just a stone’s throw from Reigate Railway Station putting it in a handy location for commuting parents. In 2024, the school joined the Reigate Grammar School Group, and pupils benefit from an early offer in Year 5 for a place at RGS without having to sit the entrance exam.</em></strong></p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.micklefieldschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Micklefield School</a>, 10 Somers Road, Reigate, RH2 9DU. Tel: 01737 224212.</em></strong></p>


Head’s up! Ryan Ardé, Micklefield School in Reigate

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