Tom Allen

Tom spent nearly 30 years teaching Economics in some of the UK’s finest schools. 13 of those years were spent at Eton College, where he was Head of Economics and Politics. He was also Senior and Academic Deputy Head at Ipswich School (the only school mentioned in Shakespeare!) and so has intimate knowledge of all elements of UK independent school education and school and university admissions.

On becoming a teacher:

I come from a line of teachers, and have always enjoyed imparting information and helping students to progress. As a keen sportsman, teaching in the UK independent sector afforded brilliant opportunities for coaching sport, which I have really enjoyed.

Opening up a new world to students. This is especially so for Economics, which is usually a new subject for them.

Also, my love of sport has enabled me to coach hockey, cricket and squash at first team level, and to travel extensively on school tours. As Academic Deputy, I regularly observed lessons, which exposed me to a variety of teaching styles and allowed me to revisit much of the academic content which I first met when I was a student.

People I find inspirational and why:

Economics, if well used, should help people to live prosperous and happy lives, so I will mention the 18th Century ‘great’, Adam Smith, who argued that individuals are best placed to make their own decisions, rather than being dictated to by governments.

Sir David Attenborough, for his lifelong campaign in educating us about the wonders of the natural world, and our role in preserving it.

Top tip to younger self:

I am fortunate in having few major regrets but I was a young man in a hurry, so I think I would advise my younger self just to slow down a bit and appreciate everything that was going on around me.