In Stradbroke House we treat others how we want to be treated. Here the pupils have the opportunity to develop soft skills which are so important in today’s world as we prepare the boys for their future careers. These skills are the ability to listen; to develop empathy and sympathy; the ability to solve problems, the ability to work in a team. The boys aren’t afraid to get stuck into life here in Stradbroke and the time flies by.
Meet the Housemaster: Bernard Dyer
I have been Housemaster of Stradbroke House for the last twelve years. I am married with four children aged 13 to 23 and enjoy all sorts of sports, especially cycling and squash. I am Head of French and I contribute to the co-curricular side of the College by offering squash, kickboxing based fitness training and advanced fitness every week.
History of Stradbroke
The Right Honourable Sir John Edward Cornwallis Rous, the 2nd Earl of Stradbroke, was the first President of the Corporation, holding that office from 1864 until his death. He succeeded to the peerage in 1827 and later held the offices of Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of Suffolk, and Vice-Admiral of the Suffolk Coast. In 1857, aged sixty-three, Lord Stradbroke married a lady thirty-six years his junior, and after his death at the age of ninety-one, Lady Stradbroke continued to visit the College. Their son, the third Earl, became a member of the Corporation in 1886 and was President from 1912-47. The family’s connection with the College remained close for many years – the fourth Earl was President of the Corporation from 1950.
The esteem in which the second Earl was held was reflected in the construction of the West window of the nave at a cost of £200. This is a striking piece of stained glass, depicting scenes from the New Testament and figures from the Old. At the window’s unveiling, the Archdeacon of Suffolk described the Earl as “a brave soldier, a fine country gentlemen, and a good churchman and Christian”.