Last year, Nick Jane and communications & alumni officer Ali sat down after Nick kindly asked how Savills might support a current school project. Ali quickly took the opportunity to invite Savills to advertise in the latest edition of The 1633, resulting in a wonderful advert on the back cover.
Nick left Exeter School – and Devon – to attend university before moving to London, but the pull of home eventually brought him back. He now lives in Exeter with his wife and children and works for one of the world’s leading estate agencies. We hope you enjoy getting to know more about Nick, just as we did.
Where did you go to university and in what ways did Exeter School prepare you for that experience?
I went to Southampton University, the whole curriculum was geared up with university in mind with what we were being taught, along with all the sport side of things. Sixth form was very different from Upper Fifth. It was very much focussed towards university, with not many vocational options being offered back then, but I do remember talk about gap years. A lot of people took gap years. I did the normal thing, travelled around the world.
Before I went on my gap year, I did a world challenge expedition with the school, around Costa Rica, which was a fantastic experience. There were about 25 of us on a five-week expedition, trekked in the rainforest and explored the beaches.
What led you to a career in property and how did your path bring you to Savills?
I’ve worked in estate agency and residential sales for nearly 18 years now. I left university and like many I didn’t really know what to do. I had spent time working for a local builder on barn conversions, and then my parents suggested estate agency. I letter dropped all of Southernhay and a chap called Steve Alford from a brilliant local firm, Robert Williams, replied and he took me on. I worked there for five years before I moved to London and worked for Winkworth in Greenwich for a very happy ten years.
I met my wife, Rachel, in London and after our first two children, we decided to move back to Devon and it was a case of when the right job came up. I said to a very good friend, Patrick Faircloth (1996-2003) who worked in the forestry team at Savills, if a job came up to let me know. By luck, a month later the job with Savills became available, which I had to go for. Savills was always the target at the top of the list, even from the early days, so I feel very fortunate to work in such a fantastic business.
What encouraged the move back to Devon?
The children were only seeing their grandparents once or twice a year, and our friends had started moving back, although there’s a core that have always stayed in Exeter. My wife was quite keen to get out of London as well.
What advice would you give to Exeter School pupils today thinking about their future?
University is a great thing to do but it’s not the only thing to do, especially these days. Exeter School gave me more than just going to university, it gives you lots of other skills in life, communicating with others and working within a team. Follow what you’re interested in, and don’t be worried if you don’t know what you want to do. The better you do at school, the more options you have… so revise!
Can you think of any fond memories from your time at Exeter School?
I loved the day-to-day. I walked into school with Anna Millington (2001-2003) and coming into the sixth form common room in the mornings, there would always be something going. I loved all the sport, the Wednesday matches and Saturday ones too. I captained the football team and played cricket and hockey too. At that time, football was in its early days of being popular at the school, but there was a good core of students who transferred the lunchtime games on the astro to the more serious Wednesday games against schools who were a little more established with their football setup.
Going to Millfield was never a nice trip because you’d get hammered, but they did good lunches! Blundell’s was fun because it was a bit of a grudge match with people you also knew.
Jamie Mortimer (1992-2003) and I used to visit an older lady in Heavitree as part of services to the community. She was sweet, and it was nice thing to do.
Can you remember some of your favourite teachers?
John Davidson (staff, 1976-2018) was a very good teacher, I loved Geography at school, and Giles Ashman (staff, 1982-1987) didn’t teach me, but he used to run the football club. It was great getting to know Sarah Stewart (staff, 1993-2005) better on the trip to Costa Rica after finishing school. Alan Christley (staff, 1998-2002) gave me a lot of help with my DT project, which was a side table that my parents still have… I needed the help!
How have your relationships with your Exeter School friends evolved over the years?
We had a great friendship group, mixed with Maynard’s and St Margaret’s girls as well. We are all extremely lucky to still have such a large and great group of friends, who have moved through life together, getting married and having families. We all see each other when we can. Rachel and I got married earlier this year and most of the gang were at the wedding.
What does it mean to you to be an alumnus of Exeter School?
When you’re at school, you don’t really appreciate how lucky you are to be part of such a brilliant school. I look back with a lot of fond memories and feel proud to have gone to the school. I’m very happy that Savills have been able to work with the school for the magazine. It’s obviously grown and changed a lot over the years but remains a very special school.
