Reed’s Between the Lines

This week on Reed’s Between the Lines, Mr Hoskins and Dr Smith sit down with the newly appointed Senior Prefect Team for 2026–27. Joining us are new School Captains Phoebe B and Monty J, alongside Deputy School Captains Jemima K, Sam R and Izzy R (Pupil Voice), and Adam H, Caleb M and Rosie T (ORs & Community). From public speaking and application letters to leadership ambitions, pupil-led change and Headmaster meetings, we explore what drives Reed’s newest student leaders — and what they hope to achieve in the year ahead.And yes, naturally, we couldn’t resist asking for their thoughts on some rather big news for the future of Reed’s…

In a new Reed’s tradition now entering its second year, the podcast microphones are wrested from staff hands as our departing Upper Sixth senior prefects take over Reed’s Between the Lines for one final conversation together. School Captains Friso Boomsma and Kath Purves are joined by Deputy School Captains Sam Sharpe and Alexia Westwood (Pupil Voice), William Waller and Lucy Cooper (ORs), and Sam Oddy and Lauren Krombas (The Arts) for a candid and wonderfully extemporaneous discussion reflecting on their years at Reed’s. The warmth, humour, and unmistakable rapport of this particular year group shine through throughout the conversation, offering a fitting and deeply personal valediction from a cohort who have left a real mark on the life of the school.

In this special episode, we bring you highlights from the Andrew Reed Lecture 2026: Entrepreneurship... Building Businesses that Matter. Hosted at Schroders/Cazenove Capital, the evening brought together Old Reedonians, parents/guardians, and aspiring founders for an engaging exploration of what it truly means to think and act entrepreneurially.Skillfully moderated by Radio X and TV presenter, Toby Tarrant (Blathwayt 2010), our panel of highly successful entrepreneurs and investors: Alistair Crane (Capel 2004), Dale Murray CBE (Parent), Nick Dean (Mullens 1976) and Oliver Kent-Braham (Capel 2010) inspired guests with accounts of their career journeys, including challenges and drivers, and insightful perspectives on everything from what being entrepreneurial really means to the role of education in preparing students for the impact of AI in the workplace. Please take time to listen to the podcast as their advice is invaluable.

This week we had enormous fun welcoming Old Reedonian, Richard Dinnick — British screenwriter, novelist, comic-book writer, narrative games designer and audio playwright — for a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling in all its forms.A frequent guest at events such as the London Screenwriters’ Festival, Gallifrey One and even San Diego Comic-Con, Richard is also a member of BAFTA, the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain and the Royal Television Society.Joining the conversation were Alex A (U6) and Ms Korkut from the English Department. Between us we managed to cover everything from writing for television and games to the strange magic of building imaginary worlds.

Happy New Year — and welcome back to Reed’s Between the Lines! In this episode, we dive into the Insights Discovery model — a communication framework that has reshaped workplaces across the corporate world and is now finding fresh relevance in education. We explore how it’s being used at Reed’s, and what it can reveal about the way we communicate, collaborate, and work together as a school community.How far can communication-style frameworks really help us understand colleagues and pupils — and where do their limits lie? Deputy Head Mr Michael, Dr Nicholson (Chemistry), Ms Horton (Head of Library), and Ms Macias (Psychology) join us for a lively, thoughtful conversation that’s both practical and reflective.

On the final day of the Autumn Term, Mr Hoskins and Dr Smith welcome an unbeatable Christmas duo — arguably even better than Wham — Mr Osgood and Tom L (U6). Together they chat about Christmas music, festive favourites, and reflect briefly on the wonderful Carol Services at Reed’s. A few special moments from those services have been clipped to frame the episode, opening with O Holy Night and closing with O Magnum Mysterium.Do also check out Clive Osgood’s wonderful new Christmas album on Spotify — an absolute must-listen while basting the turkey: https://open.spotify.com/album/2vWWvSg4gnDpwUlZIzJnhz?si=Sq6llyoqSWWSeSBX2Pnluw

This week, Mr Hoskins and Dr Smith are joined by the irresistibly charismatic Mr Kara. In this episode, we explore the fascinating path that brought him to Reed’s. Drawing on a remarkably diverse portfolio of experiences, he has become one of those rare,  transformative figures in school life — the sort of teacher who can shift a pupil’s whole outlook with a single, perfectly timed question. Join us for this joyful, generous conversation!

Reed’s Between the Lines is honoured to welcome former diplomat and author Mr Tim Willasey-Wilsey CMG, who joins us to discuss his gripping new book, The Spy and the Devil. It recounts the extraordinary true story of Bill de Ropp, an MI6 agent who infiltrated Nazi Germany in the 1930s, befriended senior Nazi officials, and even met Hitler himself to relay vital intelligence as war loomed. A powerful and thought-provoking episode featuring a remarkable guest — and the deft interviewing of Mrs Wijeratne.

This week, we’re joined by the true guardian of Reed’s history — Old Reedonian Andy Wotton, whose connection to the school has only grown since he left in 1975. A local day boy turned NatWest training lead, Andy returned to Reed’s with a passionate mission: to uncover, preserve, and honour the stories that have shaped our community.At the heart of this episode is remembrance, and specifically Andy’s meticulous research into the Old Reedonians who served and fell in war. Thoughtful, uplifting, and deeply compelling, this conversation reminds us that history isn’t something behind us; it’s something we choose to carry forward.

This week, Mr Hoskins, Mr Ha, and Dr Smith are joined by Reed's School's very own renaissance woman — Ms Cathy Horton, Head of Library, alongside Reed's Art Scholar Seb G. From training as a musical instrument maker in London to a decades-long career as an illustrative cartographer, Ms Horton has charted an extraordinary path. Now, as a library leader and SEND expert, she brings together art, science,  storytelling, and material culture to make Reed’s Library a true hub of curiosity and creativity.