TEACHER TUESDAY: Thomas Mustoe

Name, position at Stonar and when you joined

I'm Thomas Mustoe, and I joined Stonar in September 2026 as a Graduate Assistant. I coach rugby and games, and I'm also part of the boarding team in Hart House.

What brought you to Stonar, and what has surprised you most since joining?

I wanted a role where I could coach and also be part of a school community, and Stonar offered exactly that, with sport and boarding life so closely connected. What's surprised me most is how quickly it has felt like home. Living on site means you get to know pupils away from the pitch too, and everyone, staff and pupils alike, has made me feel really welcome from day one.

What is it about your subject that you find particularly interesting, and what do you hope pupils take away from studying it?

I love how sport teaches lessons that are hard to learn anywhere else: resilience, teamwork, and how to handle both winning and losing. I'm particularly interested in strength and conditioning, and seeing how smart training helps people perform better and stay injury-free. I hope pupils leave with confidence, good habits, and a love of being active that stays with them long after school.

What is something you've learned from your pupils or from your time in teaching?

Even in my first few weeks, I've learned that every pupil is motivated differently. Some want to be pushed, some need encouragement, and some just need a bit of time to settle in. Getting to know people first makes you a much better coach, and the pupils here have taught me a lot about patience and listening.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing, and what's something about you that people at Stonar might be surprised to learn?

Outside of school I love watching rugby, getting out for long walks, and spending time with my three dogs: Pip, a Sprocker Spaniel, Tiger, a Cocker Spaniel, and George, a Jack Russell.