Five minutes with... Nell Kittoe, Co-Deputy Head of School for 2024-25

What extra-curricular activities are you involved in at King’s?

As a Music and Drama Scholar, I take part in Chamber Choir, Chapel Choir, Concert Band, Orchestra, Flute Choir, Dance Troupe, and often the school musical, as well as taking flute and singing lessons. I am also a member of an ‘Other’ Club, a History seminar group which meets once a fortnight, I attend the History Cafes and Round Table Lectures, and I also enjoying extra-curricular Rowing.

Describe King’s in three words:

Friendly, fulfilling, nurturing.

How do you feel to have been appointed Co-Deputy Head of School?

I was very happy when I heard, and I am excited to work with Yanki, Edie, and Anna throughout the year!

What do you hope to achieve in your capacity as Co-Deputy Head of School? 

When I was younger, it was helpful to have friends in older year groups to help me out with what to expect, so I would love to encourage more communication between year groups. I also think that students in younger year groups have a very valuable and fresh perspective to offer, so I am keen to hear what they have to say about the school.

What are your plans for after Sixth Form? Do you know what career you would like to pursue yet?

I would love to study Classics and English at University, but I am not sure what career path I would like to go down yet. I think anything to do with Classics and English would be enjoyable.

Hobbies/interests outside of school:

I do ballet once a week. I also spend lots of time reading and practising my musical instruments.

Any pets?

Yes, two dogs, called Victor and Lottie, two cats, called Pixie and Olive, and five hens: Margot, Marigold, Muppet, Miranda, and Manon.

What is your favourite meal/food at King’s?

Probably the cheese, tomato, and pesto paninis in the Old Palace Refectory – they are always so good.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Definitely flying - I would just love to know what it would feel like.

Who is your hero?

A mix of people. Kate Moss for outfit inspiration, my granny for her unapologetic individuality, and John Milton for his insanely good writing.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Becoming a Queen’s Scholar as a result of my GCSE grades. I set myself a target which I exceeded, and I am proud of my dedication.

What was the last book you read?

Ovid’s Metamorphoses and 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt.

What song are you most likely to sing at a karaoke?

Anything by One Direction!

What is your favourite film?

Either 'Notting Hill', 'Wild Child', or 'Mamma Mia'.

Do you have any phobias or fears?

Yes, big spiders completely gross me out, and I also hate the deep sea. I think it is that no one quite knows what is under there!

If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

Homer, Charlotte Brontë, Anna Wintour, and Gabriel Fauré – all very impressive people to me.

Name three things you would want with you if stranded on a desert island for a week:

A very good big book so that I would not get bored, a pack of cards so that I could learn some cool card tricks, and my bed.