2nd Sep 2025
As we approach our centenary year at Belmont House School, we wanted to look back, and reconnect with former pupils, near and far. Here we have seven thoughtful questions that we ask our alumni focusing on their lives, successes, and the school’s influence.
Name: Jeff Glekin
Time period as a pupil at Belmont House: 8 years (1989-1997)
Occupation: British High Commissioner, Seychelles 2023 – to date
British Ambassador to Bolivia (2018–2023)
How did your time at Belmont House School shape your career path?
I entered Belmont as a 10-year-old. I was dyslexic and I had a hard primary education in another school in Glasgow where I used to score negative marks in my spelling and dictation exams. I immediately found a more welcoming and supportive environment at Belmont and it changed my attitude towards education. I loved my time at school, from debating and public speaking to school plays and even Mr Doak’s punishment exercises. I remember my Economics classes with Mr Lowe and hearing about his stories of working in rubber plantations in Malaysia. I loved Mr Mercer’s joy of the English language and Mr Anderson and Mr MacDonald’s lively maths classes, including some very detailed lessons on the geometric brilliance of snooker players. Mr Shanks was the first teacher to ever tell me he could see me working in the FCO – and here I am today, doing just that.
Can you share a key moment or memory from your time at Belmont that had a lasting impact on you?
I honestly have so many good memories. I had such a good group of friends and some really healthy competition amongst my peers that always made me strive to work a wee bit harder. I remember many cold evenings going to debating completions with Mr deBliek
What skills or lessons learned at Belmont have been most valuable in your professional life?
I learnt to think critically. To take life, but not myself, seriously. I think a Scottish education is an amazing grounding in enlightenment values and the scientific method.
In what ways did Belmont House School’s community or culture contribute to your personal growth?
I always felt confident, supported and cared for at school. I formed friendships that have endured and developed a love for reading, learning and teaching.
Can you describe how Belmont’s teachers or extracurricular activities helped shape your future ambitions?I think my debating skills helped to get me in Oxford and study PPE which was an extension of all I enjoyed at school and untimely lead me into the civil service and then the Foreign Office. The public speaking skills still support me today in my role as an Ambassador.
What advice would you give to current Belmont students who want to follow a similar path to yours?
Read as much as possible. Develop self-discipline and self-motivation. Identify the thing you really enjoy and focus on that.
Looking back, how do you feel Belmont House School prepared you for the challenges and opportunities you’ve faced in life?
I am honestly very grateful for the wonderful education I received in Sandringham Avenue.
Our thanks to Jeff for sharing their experiences – would you like to feature as part of our Alumni of Belmont House School?
Please feel free to get in touch with Richard Doak via email: RDoak@belmontschool.co.uk
