Mr J Philpott.
We are delighted to welcome Mr Philpott to St Augustine’s Priory who this year joins us as our new Bursar and Clerk to the Governors.
A conflict arose in his youth as, born in Bristol and raised in Bath, he was spoilt for choice when deciding which rugby team to support. He says, ‘Loyalty to a Great Grandfather who had played for Bristol was ultimately trumped by the rugby coaches at my senior school, King Edward’s, most of whom played for the Bath 1st XV, and in some cases England and the British Lions.’
Alongside rugby, Mr Philpott’s other passions at school were cricket and history and on finishing A Levels he read Modern History at Oxford, specialising in 19th Century British politics and the Gallipoli campaign in the First World War. Outside of tutorials at Christ Church he indulged his continuing passion for sport by playing for all manner of teams for his college, including darts and netball, and representing the University at rugby and golf, earning a Blue in the latter.
After graduation Mr Philpott began a career in marketing in London, eventually moving into the professional services sector where he worked with lawyers, accountants, surveyors and journalists in a variety of management roles. He was part of the team that successfully pitched to advise on the development of the new Wembley Stadium and at another firm he advised on business development efforts in the energy and utilities sectors.
Mr Philpott returned to Oxford in mid-career to take an MBA where he achieved the notable distinction of becoming the oldest man ever to play rugby (and cricket) for Exeter College, at the age of 31! Following his MBA Mr Philpott returned to professional services as Strategy Director at Bird & Bird.
In more recent times Mr Philpott has worked as European COO for a Corporate Intelligence and Cyber Security business, led a turnaround of a property management business and advised the Governors of a Hampshire boarding school on the acquisition and integration of one of their feeder schools.
He notes, ‘With ever decreasing success I continue to play cricket for my local village club, where I also coach the U11 girls’ team, and I currently chair the North Hampshire Cricket Development Association. Where time and family commitments allow I can also be found on the golf course.’
Mr Philpott comments, ‘I am determined to nurture a love of cricket among pupils and staff, support Priory Sixth pupils with Oxbridge applications and make the very most of the wonderful grounds, which present an extraordinary opportunity for learning and growth for everyone in the St Augustine’s Priory community.’
