Philip McGuinness

Philip joined St Paul’s to teach Modern Languages. The school was then based in West Kensington and it was there, in 1962, that he became housemaster of School House. This was a role in which he won both affection and respect, and he continued as housemaster when the school moved to Barnes, stepping down in 1977. Subsequently, he became the Undermaster in charge of junior forms. He formed a legendary partnership with John Allport in coaching the 1st XV, but was also unstinting in his efforts to teach basic skills to novices. He was President of D Club and chaired the committee of Club Presidents.

Keith Perry wrote of him in The Pauline, ‘he was a man of firm principles and unerringly good judgement, tempered by wonderful kindness and humour’. That 1987 issue marked his retirement from teaching, but not from the school, and another tribute runs,

St Paul’s owes Philip many debts, but perhaps one in particular. He was a key man in providing the continuity between the school in West Kensington and the school in Barnes. He served under five High Masters. Pauline traditions became familiar and dear to him. He understood how they had evolved and why decisions had been made. … There is no one more appropriate to succeed John Allport in conducting prospective parents and visitors around the school, to give them a feel for St Paul’s and its community …