Celebrating Headmaster Joseph Peake
A little over 20 years ago, when Take That topped the charts, Austria & Sweden were looking to join the EU and Bolton
Wanderers were in the 1st Division, Joe Peake took on the headship of St George's College. So much was different to what we know today and Joe's stated objective, shared at his first Prize Giving ceremony, was "to create confidence and self-belief in our school which I think is much better than others believe". In more detail Joe talked about elevating academic attainment; about each pupil realising their own potential; about achieving sporting and other extra-curricular successes; of the need to sustain high standards of pastoral care; to provide support to staff; and to perpetuate the Josephite ethos. Numerically the school was about 2/3 of today's size and there were scant financial resources
available for change or improvement.
The school we know and love today is very much changed from that of the 1990's and history will rightly credit Mr Peake
with responsibility for the extraordinary transformation, and huge success at St George’s. Joe has been an exemplary leader - improving our grounds and facilities; focusing on value-added to ensure our students deliver their evident potential and gently tightening academic standards; growing the school and adroitly balancing the many associated challenges that brings; and taking tough decisions along the way, often quietly but always with respect and dignity. Most importantly he has preserved and promoted the Josephite ethos, an intangible spirit which sets our schools and students apart, and is as relevant in SGC today as it has been for the last 148 years.
On behalf of the Board, the parents, the Old Georgians and his many students, I’d like to offer huge thanks to Joe Peake and his wife Julie, and our best wishes for a long and fulfilled retirement. They've dedicated much of their lives to St George's, and we are very much the better for it.
Michael Davie, Chairman of Governors
Joseph Peake Magazine Article.pdf
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