Dr Steve Alexander

Common Room

Member of the Common Room, 1986 to 2010. Died April 2025.

Memories from The Lion

Dr Steve Alexander began teaching at Hampton in 1986, arriving from St. Paul’s Girls School in Hammersmith to become the School’s first Head of Spanish. At the time, Spanish was a minority subject, offered only as a 3rd-year option with fewer than 50 students. With the help of his long-serving assistant María, Steve built the department from the ground up. By the time he stepped down in 2009, over 600 boys were studying Spanish, including 70 in the Sixth Form—a remarkable legacy.

Steve brought energy and creativity to the classroom, drawing on his background in TEFL. His communicative approach made lessons memorable—whether dressing in Monty Python-style costumes, running a mock fruit and veg stand, or transforming the classroom into a doctor’s surgery. He developed innovative teaching resources, including a board game that became a Sixth Form favourite and was even considered for commercial release.

In 1989, Steve launched the now-legendary Spanish trip to Ronda, Andalucía, with support from colleagues Iain Maclean and Bob Corrigan. In those days, trips were simpler to organize. Steve travelled ahead by train, and the rest of the group followed with only flights and hotel bookings confirmed. The rest was arranged on the go. The trip was a success, forging lasting relationships with local schools, hotels, and restaurants—many of which are still used today as the trip nears its 23rd year.

Beyond the classroom, Steve contributed widely to school life. Despite his academic achievements—including a First in Spanish and French from King’s College London and a doctorate in Spanish Renaissance drama—he was also a gifted footballer. He captained King’s College 1st XI and played for the University of London team. Described as a “modern midfielder—box to box, quick, and a precise passer,” Steve passed on his love for the game to generations of Hampton 2nd XI players. He also played for the staff team, the Assassins, and remained a midfield force even as his pace waned.

Steve’s sporting talents extended further. He coached table tennis, played tennis, and was a regular swimmer at the LEH pool—often startling the more leisurely swimmers with his powerful strokes.

He also helped organize a memorable charity event with Pat Kyle: a 65-hour continuous relay around the school fields to raise funds for a hospital ward where OH Alex Brown had been treated. The event, involving students, staff, and parents, raised £4,800 and ran from Friday afternoon through to Monday morning.

One of the earliest memories shared by a colleague was arriving in Ronda to find Steve’s balcony filled with stunning paintings of the town. A prolific and talented artist, Steve was later invited to join the prestigious Wapping Group of Artists, limited to just 25 members. His work has been exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Mall Galleries, and other notable venues.

Steve is retiring early from Hampton. Though he had hoped to continue teaching, a hip replacement in 2008 was followed by a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2009. He has managed the condition well and has remained a welcome presence at school events. His message to students remains clear: “You can always achieve more than you think—if you trust yourself to try and trust others to help you.”

On behalf of the Spanish Department, the Modern Languages Department, and the entire Common Room, we wish Steve all the very best in retirement.

Jefe – te echaremos de menos.

Summarised from 2009-10 version of The Lion by fellow former member of staff Mr Michael Passey