Woodlands

JAMIE SHARROCK, HOUSEMASTER

Jamie Sharrock joined Gresham’s as Woodlands Housemaster in September 2019. He is married to Camilla who is also Head of English and a Tutor in the House. They have two young sons, George and Archie, and a friendly Golden Retriever called Mylo.

Jamie is passionate about pastoral care and promotes four core values of trust, honesty, hard work and kindness, which are central to the House. The Woodlands boys 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 plethora of House events, the boys 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.

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 73 boys who are a mixture of boarders and day boys.

Woodlands has recently benefited from a major refurbishment. It offers dormitory accommodation for Year 9 and Year 10 boarders and 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, Sky and BT Sport, and our beloved piano which is regularly used by the boys. 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 and we have also recently built two raised beds – the boys hope to grow and harvest some of their own fruit and vegetables.

Jamie grew up in Hong Kong but studied at the University of Bath, completing his PGCE at the University of Buckingham. He teaches A level and GCSE Physical Education, BTEC Sport Level 3 and also coaches rugby, hockey and cricket. He is a trained Mental Health First Aider, holds a Level 2 Counselling Skills Qualification and has recently completed his BSA Certificate in Boarding Practice. The start of the cricket season is a highlight for Jamie and he is still a keen player, although is also enjoying visiting all the wonderful golf courses North Norfolk has to offer.

Jamie is supported by his Assistant Housemistress, Miss Mitchell, who also teaches Biology, resident staff members Mr Higgs and Mr Liberman, and his day Matron, Julie. Julie is an experienced Matron and has worked at other large boarding schools in the UK. Her golden Labrador, Mabel, has also become a firm favourite in the house.