Shaftesbury School – Head of Boarding

Get to know our Head of Boarding Craig Knowles

He used to play for a former Premier League football team; He’s worked in Egypt, Portugal, America and Canada; He’s planning a trip to Bermuda…

Which of the above applies to our brilliant Head of Boarding Craig Knowles?

The answer is – all three!

In this blog we’d like to introduce you to the man at the helm of boarding at Shaftesbury School.

Who is our Head of Boarding?

Craig leads our team of houseparents and boarding staff, helping to ensure every student living with us Barton Hill House has the personalised pastoral support and wrap around care they need to be happy and to succeed.

Craig is known for his positive and encouraging approach, and his fundamental belief that with enough effort and work – anything is possible.

It is something he knows to be true from his own experience of years of intensive training and competition to become an elite athlete, and earning his place playing for his beloved Bolton Wanders, then a Premier League team, where he was part of the squad from 2003 to 2005.

He’s even rubbed shoulders with some football legends – partnering Les Ferdinand up front playing for Bolton reserves, and in the same game played against Gerrard Pique!

Craig went from the football pitch to hitting the books, studying sport at the University of Central Lancashire, before embarking on a new career coaching young elite footballers around the world.

But it was during a graduate year at Gordons School in Surrey where he trained to become a PE teacher that he got his first experience of living and working in a boarding house; he had found his calling and refocussed on pastoral care.

After roles in boarding houses at Steyning Grammar School in West Sussex he joined Shaftesbury School as Senior House parent in 2017, becoming deputy head of boarding two years later and head of boarding earlier this year.

He brought not only a wealth of experience to the role, but plenty of expertise too, having completed the Boarding Schools’ Association’s Diplomas of Professional Development in Boarding in 2014, and a diploma in Leading Boarding Forward (Management) last year – both of which are degree-level courses.

Most recently he received his level 3 accreditation through the BSA and is now just one level away from becoming a BSA Accredited Boarding Practitioner – a status which recognises boarding staff who are making a personal, professional commitment to best boarding practice.

Since stepping into the top spot Craig has fostered a warm and caring environment at Barton Hill House, providing a sense of security and a second family, where everyone feels they belong.

He’s also a big advocate of fun! (Although admittedly World War II documentaries, running and cross fit qualify as fun for Craig himself!) With ideas for trips, games and events he fosters an atmosphere of excitement, curiosity and creativity, which he knows to be fundamental to the learning journey.

Craig is, of course, always ready to share his insights on the benefits of boarding and the multitude of good reasons to choose boarding at Shaftesbury School. So, to arrange a meeting or a tour get in touch with Get in touch with our admissions officer Tracey Dunn at tracey.dunn@shaftesburyschool.co.uk or on +44 1747 852469.