We invited George Sheppard the newest member of our team at 1729 Maths School to take part in a short Q&A session so we could learn more about him. George has taught History and Politics at Mill Hill for the past five years, alongside holding a range of pastoral and boarding leadership roles. With an academic background spanning Oxford and Vassar College, he brings a strong interest in interdisciplinary learning and intellectual curiosity.
As Housemaster of St Bees, the dedicated House for 1729 students, George is excited to help create a collaborative, ambitious and supportive community where students can thrive both academically and personally.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I have been a teacher of History and Politics at Mill Hill for five years, alongside working in a range of pastoral leadership roles in both day and boarding settings. Before joining Mill Hill and a stint in the Civil Service, I completed an MPhil in Russian and East European Studies at Oxford, where I also taught. My undergraduate degree was at Vassar College in New York, where I double majored in Political Science and Russian.
The multi-disciplinary approach to my academics shaped the way I think about education. I am really interested in how different disciplines speak to one another, and how students learn to communicate complex ideas clearly, creatively and persuasively. That feels especially important at 1729, where students will be intellectually ambitious but also need to develop the confidence and communication skills to share their ideas with others.
What was your favourite subject when you were at school and why?
I always loved current affairs, so Politics was probably my favourite subject. I was particularly interested in American politics and the Russian Revolution in History, which certainly influenced my later studies.
That said, I also had a real soft spot for Physics, which I continued to A Level. One of my favourite classes at university was actually an Astronomy course I audited, though ironically I was occasionally rather out of my depth with some of the maths.
Do you have any personal hobbies or activities that you enjoy after a busy school day?
I love the outdoors and enjoy skiing and biking whenever we can get away to the mountains in the holidays. Closer to home, I am an avid sports fan and closely follow the Denver Broncos and Arsenal. Supporting Arsenal has certainly required resilience over the years, but it has been especially joyous recently!
Of course, working in Boarding, many evenings are spent with the students, and it is often the informal conversations, shared meals, sport, or time spent around the House that are the most rewarding.
Who inspires you?
There is an abundance of inspiring historical and sporting figures I admire, but in truth I draw the most inspiration from people I know. I am lucky to know people who have taken very different paths in life, but who share certain qualities I really admire. They are curious, principled, funny, and good at what they do without taking themselves too seriously.
What made you want to work at 1729?
I have been fascinated with 1729 for some time. The ambition to develop exceptionally talented mathematicians within the wider context of Mill Hill is hugely exciting. Mill Hill is a school that values the development of the whole person, and I think that matters enormously for students whose academic interests are so deep and specialised.
As Housemaster, there is an amazing opportunity to help shape the wider experience of 1729 students. I am excited by the chance to help create a House culture that is intellectually curious, collaborative, ambitious and kind.
Tell us about your role as Housemaster?
As Housemaster of St Bees, the designated House for 1729 students, I will be responsible for supporting the wellbeing and holistic development of students academically, pastorally and socially.
For the boarders, St Bees will be their home at Mill Hill and I will also live in the House. St Bees will not only be important for boarders, it will also be a key hub for day students, a place where all 1729 students can collaborate, relax, seek help, build friendships and feel part of a distinctive community.
A large part of the role will be about knowing students well and understanding what motivates them, supporting them when things are difficult, celebrating their successes, and helping them develop the independence and resilience they will need both at school and beyond.
What do you hope to achieve in a role at 1729 in the next few years?
I hope we can create a collaborative and inclusive community where students are encouraged to take risks, support one another and celebrate the successes of others.
I would like St Bees to be a House where academic ambition feels normal, but where students also feel safe, known and able to be themselves. The aim is not simply to create a place where students work hard, but a community where they learn how to live well with others, communicate effectively, develop confidence and contribute meaningfully to the wider life of the school.
Why do you think students should consider boarding at St Bees?
Boarding at St Bees will offer students the chance to be fully immersed in the life of 1729 and Mill Hill. For students with a deep interest in mathematics, there is something very powerful about living alongside others who share that curiosity and ambition. It creates opportunities for collaboration, conversation and friendship that continue well beyond the formal school day.
For many students, boarding can be transformative. It helps them grow in confidence, learn how to manage themselves, build strong relationships and make the most of every opportunity available to them.
For more information about boarding at 1729 Maths School, email info@1729mathsschool.org.uk or visit our school.