St Cuthbert's & St Thomas'
St Cuthbert's and St Thomas' House occupies Hume House, a modern building at the heart of our school.
Year 9 students sleep in dormitories, usually of up to four or five other boys. In Year 10, boys share double rooms, whilst the majority of Year 11 boys are able to have a bedroom to themselves for their GCSE year. The Sixth Form enjoy single en-suite rooms, many of which enjoy outstanding views towards the Abbey Church.
Simon Rudsdale is the Housemaster of St Cuthbert's and Thomas' House. After a degree in Mathematical Studies at Imperial College London, Simon had a career in finance for over a decade before re-training as a teacher. He joined Giggleswick School as a Newly Qualified Teacher and tutor in a boarding house before becoming a Senior Boys Housemaster there. He continued to build experience in boarding and independent schools working at Queen Mary’s School and then Silcoates School as Head of Mathematics and with various pastoral roles.
Simon is a very active and popular member of the boarding community at Ampleforth and brings talent and experience to St Cuthbert's and St Thomas’. He is a great all-rounder and is just as much at home having fun with the junior boys as giving senior boys advice on university applications as part of his role as a Sixth Form Tutor. He enjoys sports and as a leader for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, is often out teaching students practical skills and taking them on expeditions. Simon is an enthusiastic and approachable person who has a very positive relationship with students.
About St Cuthbert
St Cuthbert was bishop of Lindisfarne in 685, having been Prior of Melrose Abbey and Prior of Lindisfarne. He was consecrated Bishop of Lindisfarne on Easter Day in 685 in York Minster. For two years he visited his diocese, and in that time is said to have performed so many miracles that he became known as ‘the Wonderworker of Britain’.
About St Thomas
St Thomas à Becket (1120-1170) was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until he was murdered in 1170. He disagreed with Henry II of England over the rights and privileges of the church and was murdered by followers of the king in Canterbury Cathedral. Soon after his death he was canonised by Pope Alexander III.
