Richard Penny (1987-1994) served in the Queen’s Royal Hussars for 10 years after leaving Sandhurst – here’s more of his story.
What did you do on leaving Exeter School?
I was an Army sixth form Scholar (along with John Evennett (1987-1994)), Head of CCF and went on to gain a University Cadetship at Swansea University. I served in the Queen’s Royal Hussars for 10 years after leaving Sandhurst (where I commissioned alongside Luke Roberts (1989-1994) who joined the Queen’s Dragoon Guards). My time included tours of Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan but also plenty of sport and adventure training, and I left as a Major.
What have you taken away as the most memorable/enjoyable parts of school life?
Many of my past times and successes can be linked directly to my experiences at Exeter School. My military journey was shaped by John Allen and Pete Ranft in CCF on Field Days and summer camps. I represented the Army at slalom kayak having spent many happy evenings and weekends paddling with Pete Scott (1986-2011) on the Exe and Dart. I also represented the Army triathlon team and have completed around 30 marathons including 8 ultra-marathons ranging in distance from 50km to 200 miles – Dick Scarrott, former teacher of Physics and Games (1970-1994), lunchtime running and Woodbury Common are to blame for sowing that seed! Ten Tors with John Spivey (1981-2001) and numerous other staff giving up their weekends also connected me with a love of the moors and mountains.
What are you doing now?
In 2010 I completed my PGCE and bumped into John Davidson (1976-2018) at the RGS Conference, and have since taught at Haberdasher’s Monmouth School for Girls, Cheltenham College (Head of Geography, CCF Contingent Commander, Housemaster) and now Bradfield College. Despite being Deputy Head (Pastoral) I am still actively engaged in sport, CCF, DofE and cross country. I hope that I can do half as well at inspiring my current pupils as the staff at Exeter did for me.
