Junior boarders from Monmouth School and The Grange will be under the guidance of a creative new Houseparent from September next year.

Sheila Mone, who has been an art teacher at the school for four years, is preparing to move in to Chapel House with her partner, William, and their 16-year-old daughter, HMSG pupil Rhianna.

Having been a non-resident tutor in Weirhead, Miss Mone is looking forward to the new challenges that running a thriving boarding house full-time will bring.

She said: “I really enjoy working with the boarders. You see a completely different side to them and can build more relaxed relationships with each of them – it’s lovely to get to know their families more, too.

“I think it’s important for teachers at a boarding school to be involved in boarding life. The boys really appreciate having somebody to talk to, to give them advice and support.

“Becoming Houseparent to thirty plus boys is going to be really busy. I’m looking forward to the challenge, and Rhianna can’t wait to take on the role of big sister.”

Miss Mone teaches art across the year groups at Monmouth School. She also used to teach design technology at a previous school, following ten years of working as a nurse. “I’m going to bring lots of creativity to Chapel House,” she added.

“It’s essential to be creative, to express yourself and find a balance with academic pressures.

“I will be bringing a potter’s wheel into the house so the boys can make ceramics, while painting, drawing and photography will also be things the boys will be encouraged to do. As a journalist, I am sure William will have a few ideas about the boys’ creative expression, too!”

Always impressed by the pupils’ enthusiasm, Miss Mone believes there is something very special about pupils at Monmouth.

“The boys are just so eager to learn and really happy to get involved in everything, to try everything,” she explained.

“They are so polite and really helpful. There’s a confidence about them that really surprised me when I first came here. They have a real ability to relate to their peers, but also to adults from all walks of life.”

Miss Mone will be building on the strong foundations laid down by sports teacher Andy Jones, who has been Housemaster there for the past ten years alongside his wife, Caroline, and their son, Oliver.