Wakefield House
No matter how you feel, get up, show up and never give up.
Wakefield is named after Colonel the Rt Hon Sir Charles Wakefield, Viscount Wakefield of Hythe, founder of Castor Lubricants, a tremendous philanthropist who founded the Wakefield Trust. He was President of the Royal Hospitals of Bethlem and Bridewell, King Edward’s School from 1916-1940. His is one example of the School’s strong links to the City of London Corporation, a link that is important in upholding the vision of our founders, Nicholas Ridley and King Edward VI, to educate young people.
Wakefield House is a day boys’ House from 3rd Form to Lower Sixth, ages 13 to 17. Wakefield House is paired with the Elizabeth girls’ House
The Wakefield boys are the real stars of the House. Wakefield celebrates all, whether winning at sport, music, drama or academic success. The boys truly enjoy themselves in Wakefield; living by their motto, they work hard, play hard and always give 100%. There is a tremendous pride in being a Wakefield boy which is reflected the day the new boys arrive and are welcomed by all.
Housemaster Mr Mayell
Mr Mayell has been the Housemaster of Wakefield since September 2022. Mrs. Mayell, their daughter, Neve, and their Toy Poodle, Orla, have settled into the community with Neve currently in QMH’s second form and Jeni helping out in learning support. They are an active part of the Wakefield House with all three making themselves present in the house, especially Orla who likes to personally welcome the boys and wider community at the door! The whole family (minus Orla!) relocated from China in June 2022 after working at Wycombe Abbey School, Changzhou for 4 years. Mr. Mayell brings the experience of Assistant Housemaster from his time in China and also introduced Music Technology into the school. Mr. Mayell comes with almost 20 years’ experience including teaching A-level and BTEC Music and Music Technology, GCSE and KS3 Music, PSHE and EPQ. He will lead EPQ at KESW and hopes to introduce Music Technology to KESW’s flagship music department. Mr. Mayell also values sport and loves Cricket, Tennis, Squash and has played for a variety of Hockey clubs, recently joining Guildford HC. Mrs. Mayell is having a break from her career after being in Senior Management, leading the Pre-Prep department in China and hopes to continue to support he school wherever possible. When they are free, they love to do sports and outdoor pursuits or simply take Orla for a walk in one of the lovely parks the Surrey Hills have to offer.
Assistant Housemaster Mr Laurent
Mr Laurent is a very able Assistant, oozing with enthusiasm and charm. He is an ex professional cricket player and county level hockey player, and current sports and psychology teacher. He is into his 3rd year for King Edward’s and our Sports Science Department and has been a big hit in House. Mr Laurent also has a crossbreed huskie / wolfhound called Isla, who is the most beautiful dog you will ever see.
Matron Mrs. Woods
Mrs Woods is the beloved Matron of Wakefield who supports the boys in the house throughout the school day in lunch, breaks and afterschool and has spare PE kit and clothes for those occasions when the boys can be a little disorganised. She has 3 boys of her own who are all over 18 years and so is very aware of the needs of teenagers. Mrs Woods dog, Dudley, comes to visit the boys occasionally and loves to play with the other dogs, Orla and Bailey, in the house.
Wakefield House’s Pastoral Team
Housemaster: Mr Mayell
Assistant Housemaster: Mr Laurent
Matron: Ms Wood
