Woodlands

JAMes BEALES, HOUSEMASTER

James Beales joined Gresham’s as Head of Agriculture in September 2020 and Woodlands Housemaster from September 2025. He is married to Tessa, they have a son, a daughter and a friendly Jack Russell.

James is passionate about pastoral care and promotes five core values of trust, honesty, hard work, engagement and kindness, which are central to the House. The Woodlands pupils are enormously loyal to their House, and this helps to create a warm, supportive and inclusive environment where they feel happy and valued. In addition to the vibrant House community and variety of House events, the pupils are encouraged to pursue their own individual interests but also to understand themselves better, not only as individuals but also as learners, so that they can progress in their academic studies and reach their full potential in all areas of life.

Woodlands is a beautiful Victorian house situated on the Cromer Road. In 1905, after Woodlands had been enlarged and converted for school use, 40 boys moved in under J.R. Eccles as Housemaster. The House is now home to over 70 boys who are a mixture of boarders and day pupils.

Woodlands offers dormitory accommodation for Year 9 and Year 10 boarders and usually individual rooms for Year 11 and Sixth Form boarders. Day boys also have their own study room which is sometimes shared. The House has a large Common Room with table tennis, pool, table football, Wii, PS5, various TV viewing packages and our beloved piano which is regularly used by the pupils. There is also a library and study space as well as a tuck shop run by the boys. Outside, we have a large walled garden with a football pitch, three grass tennis courts, two raised beds and a croquet lawn.

James has a background in research science, studied at the UEA and then moved into education as a science teacher before starting to teach agriculture which he teaches at Gresham’s. He leads four different BTEC courses in the subject and runs the co-curricular side of the agriculture programme which has grown rapidly in his time at the school. He also coordinates equestrian activity at school which is a life-long passion of his. In addition to this he loves all sports and music and has a passion for history which he loves to read about.

James is ably supported by Assistant Housemistress, Mrs Knightbridge and resident members of staff, Mr Liberman and Mr Leung. Woodlands also has two day Matrons, Zoe and Gill who are central to the running of the House and are integral to the boys lives at school.