When Tom joined the College history department in 2009 he was unaware of the path his life would take over the next 12 years. Meeting his future wife, Helen, whilst they were both attending an NQT training course at Haileybury would cement a 12 year relationship at the College. 2012 was a momentous year for the Atkinsons as Helen joined Tom at the College as he took on the role of Housemaster in Sutton House and she joined Shell and more recently has been working as part of the dedicated Learning Support team.

Tom has been honoured to lead Sutton over the past 9 years and has been hugely touched by the opportunity to build such strong relationships not only with the boys but also with their families as a whole. An unexpected joy has been nurturing so many sets of siblings through the House, Tom thinks that he has seen approximately 27 sets of siblings during his tenure. The opportunity to see the boys mature and grow from fourth formers into sixth formers has been priceless. 

The privilege of being part of a history department that has remained almost unchanged during his time at the College has made for a hugely fulfilling teaching experience for Tom and something that he will remain hugely thankful for. Tom’s College career has seen him undertake, in addition to the teaching of history, increasingly pastoral roles, moving from resident House Tutor in School House in his early career into the role of Housemaster of Sutton.

Tom reflects that the positives of teaching in the classroom are the reasons that Teachers teach but for him his proudest College memories involve Sutton House. Nurturing and supporting the boys in good times and bad and towards a House highlight in 2016 of winning Unison at House Music in 2016 will stay with him for years to come. The fourth formers who had joined the House when he did in 2012 were triumphant on the big night and Tom recalls nearly dislocated his shoulder punching the air in celebration of the rare victory.

Leaving the College with the happiest of memories, strong friendships with colleagues made and immense pride in Sutton House, Tom is  honoured to leave alongside his exceptional Upper Sixth this year. Coping incredibly well during the pandemic which spanned their whole Sixth Form studies and lead by College Head Boy, Freddie Cooke the Sutton House Class of 2021 welcome Tom into their ranks as they start their next chapter as Old Stortfordians.

Exciting times ahead for the Atkinsons as Tom and Helen, along with their children Harry and Emily, embark on a move to enjoy sea views in West Sussex as Tom takes up the role of Boarding House Housemaster at Lancing College. Relishing the opportunity to lead the House of 65 Boys, the majority of whom Board, Tom is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

We are incredibly grateful to Tom and Helen for their dedicated service to the College and know that the Atkinson Generation of Sutton House boys will have benefitted hugely from his leadership and guidance and will have taken many lessons learned from him with them into their adult lives. School responsibilities may make it difficult for many future return visits in term time but we are sure that Tom will keep a keen eye on the progress of Sutton from afar.