Meet James Hindle – Head of Middle School
We are thrilled to welcome our very own James Hindle as the Head of Middle School in 2025.
During his time at Scotch, James has worn many hats – first as a student, then an Old Scotch Collegian, followed by a Humanities teacher, House Head, Head of Student Leadership and Director of Wellbeing/Pastoral Care. His passion for student development and strong ties to the College, makes him well-placed to lead our Middle School.
We sat down with James to hear about his journey, his vision, and what he hopes to instil in our Middle School students.
Reflecting on his time in Middle School at Scotch
I am very fortunate that I really enjoyed school when I was a kid – and I love being a teacher. Cricket was a big part of my life when I was young. I would practice for hours, batting and bowling, as I figured it would double my opportunity to get involved.
Middle School was also where I discovered my love of singing – Joseph's Technicolour Dreamcoat in Year 4 was where I got my first big break. And I loved to read (still do!), I just find general knowledge fascinating.
Can you spot Mr Hindle?
Setting the tone for 2025
At the first Middle School assembly for 2025, James set four key challenges for our students.
- Notice more
- Speak up if you or someone else is struggling
- Use good manners and be kind to those around you
- Work harder and go further
These challenges are designed to encourage our boys to take some form of action for the good of others, not just themselves.
This ties in with a quote of which I am very fond:
Do something for the camp before you do something for yourself.
This encapsulates the importance of our connection to others – thinking outwards about the group's needs rather than focusing in on our personal wants.
The idea is for our students to come to appreciate that not only do they have responsibility for themselves, they also carry responsibility for the health of the community around them and the planet as a whole.
It is a way of giving them control over their life – they must choose how they behave. In a sense, it gives them responsibility for the future.
Guiding our young men: lessons from experience
In his role as Director of Wellbeing/Pastoral Care, James came to realise that connections between boys of different ages can be a powerful and positive influence on a young man's development.
Our young men need lighthouses of different varieties to guide them and warn them, and the guidance of older students is one which I think we can use more effectively.
Over the years, James has learnt of the impact that a young person's wellbeing has on their ability to perform at their best.
In more recent times, I have noticed that boys and young men are much more open to discussing wellbeing than they were 10 years ago. They have a much better vocabulary when it comes to discussing emotions. Whilst we have seen much improvement, there is still much progress to be made
Building strong foundations
Years 6–8 is a critical time in a young man's life – and is the best opportunity to guide our students as they form key values and develop crucial attitudes – to life, to work, to learning, to leisure, to challenges, to relationships.
To me, the ultimate test of our care of our students lies in the quality and depth of the relationships they build—both during their time at school and long after they leave. This is something I want to enhance in Middle School.
Something James strongly believes in is "Knowing the Boy", as former Headmaster Bill Dickinson used to say.
This means truly seeing each student– not just recognising what they excel at, but understanding their aspirations and doubts, and who they are as individuals.
To do this takes time, and I am looking forward to getting to know our Middle School students in the coming years.
What our students have taught me
We asked James what are some things James has learnt working in all boys education.
- Patience and respect foster trust – These are the foundation of a strong relationship. When boys feel genuinely heard, they share their thoughts in insightful and intelligent ways. The trick is to listen– not rush in with a solution. You hear far more sitting at the back of the bus than at the front.
- Peer pressure is powerful – most boys have a very clear sense of right and wrong, but when surrounded by their peers, the focus shifts to fitting in. This is what we as adults have to work on counteracting, by guiding them towards acting with integrity, even when it's difficult.
- Young people bring positivity – No matter how tough a day might be, when you're feeling down our students have a way to make you smile and feel positive about the future.
Please join us in congratulating James on this wonderful new role! With his passion for wellbeing and a community mindset we can't wait to see what the future holds for Middle School at Scotch.
