After an extraordinary 35 years at Malvern College, we bid a fond farewell to Stephen Holroyd, Deputy Head: Curriculum, as he retires from a career defined by creativity and innovation, dedication, a genuine care for pupils and colleagues alike, and an impressive tie collection – always a talking point in the College corridors! Louise Ciaravella from the Malvernian Society sat down with Stephen to reflect on his time at the College and his future plans.
A lifelong commitment to Malvern
Stephen Holroyd joined Malvern College in 1990 straight from the University of Warwick, where he had just completed his PGCE. From those early days as a 23-year-old resident deputy in School House, his journey through the College has been one of versatility and energy. Always a teacher of Economics, and also including Business and Politics, Stephen would go on to lead the department from 2000 – 2019, consistently fostering a dynamic and supportive team. “The department was like a family,” he says, paying tribute to early mentors Ian Quickfall and Martin Frayn.
Over the years, Stephen has been a house tutor in SH, No.1, No.5 and No.9, as well as Deputy Housemaster in No.1 under Syd Hill for many years. Alongside these roles, Stephen has played a vital part in delivering work experience opportunities, joined History and History of Art trips, and immersed himself in Co-curricular life by running boys’ Hockey, managing The Longy, introducing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, and even serving as the school’s stage manager for 14 years making sets for Malvern’s fantastic drama productions.
One of his proudest moments came in helping to take Guys and Dolls to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – an ambitious, five-day sold-out run that showcased the best of Malvern’s creative spirit. “It was one of those moments where everything just clicked – the right people, the right time, the right place.”
Shaping the Malvern Qualities
Stephen’s leadership extended to one of the College’s most defining projects as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations, which culminated in the articulation of the Malvern Qualities. Working closely with Giles Hopkirk and supported by then Headmaster Anthony Clark, Stephen spearheaded a community-wide effort to define what makes a Malvernian. Input from OMs, pupils, staff and the College shaped a set of qualities that felt (and still feel) truly authentic.
“These weren’t imposed ideas, they came from within and were already there; we just put them into words,” Stephen reflects. The Malvern Qualities of Resilience, Self-awareness, Open-mindedness, Kindness, Collaboration, Risk-taking, Curiosity, Ambition, Independence, Integrity and Humility have become embedded in school culture, providing a timeless framework for pupils past, present, and future.
Leading through change
In September 2020, Stephen took on the role of Deputy Head Curriculum – a position that would see him help steer the College through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. With national examination systems in flux, Stephen calmly led the College’s response, managing centre-assessed and teacher-assessed grades with integrity, precision and an intense focus on the outcomes for pupils. “Each school in the country became its own examination board. It was a huge responsibility, and a collective effort, to make sure our pupils were treated fairly and with minimal disruption.”
His academic influence extended through his work as IB Coordinator, examiner IB Economics workshop leader and author of IB revision guides. A passionate advocate for a holistic education, alongside the Headmaster Keith Metcalfe, Stephen has been instrumental in shaping the College’s “Super-curriculum” – a model that prioritises not just provision but pupil-led opportunity. From pupil-run societies to Wednesday afternoon partnership and service initiatives, Stephen has championed leadership, independence, and intellectual curiosity, giving pupils their chance to shine and be advocates for their own areas of interest and passion.
Favourite memories
Among his favourite memories are the “lightbulb moments” with pupils, including a pupil who always struggled with Economics but emerged with an A grade after a breakthrough exam in which all Stephen’s teaching and guidance “just clicked”.
A lover of the Ledbury Run, Stephen was proud to help grow the legendary event’s footprint within the College and back marking the course, usually with wife Sophie, for over 20 years. He also cherishes his time in the senior leadership team, describing it as “a cohesive and supportive group of people who have always looked forward.”
On a personal note, Stephen married Sophie, his wife of 31 years in the College Chapel, and as a result, it is a place that remains deeply special to him.
Looking ahead
Stephen’s post-retirement plans are as adventurous as his time at Malvern. With Sophie, who retired from the College three years ago, he has planned a “gap year” filled with long-distance walks, including the Cape Wrath Trail and the final leg of walking from Canterbury to Rome. Climbing, winter mountaineering, mountain biking, and furniture making are also on the list, as is spending more time with his family.
Final words
Stephen leaves Malvern College with immense pride in what it stands for. “Malvern must keep its confidence and own its story. Be proud. Malvern as a British boarding school, in an international context, is powerful preparation for the modern world. This is who we are – and we are amazing.”
His advice to pupils: “Take every opportunity available to you and do not leave here with regrets.”
To OMs: “Remember those Malvern Qualities. Use them to make the world – and other people’s lives – a better place.”
From everyone at the Malvernian Society and throughout the Malvernian community: Stephen, thank you for your wisdom, humour, vision, and extraordinary service. You’ve helped shape generations of Malvernians and we will miss you deeply.
Many congratulations Stephen on an outstanding career at Malvern. You were a force for good in all that you did and it was pleasure to have worked with you over many years. I wish you a long, happy and well deserved next phase of your life (retirement never)!