Although Mr. Rickford grew up in Essex, he has always had a strong affinity with the northeast of the England and remains an avid (but long suffering) supporter of Newcastle United football club. After a few years working in the corporate events industry in London, he took what proved to be a wise decision to train as a secondary school teacher. The first eight years of his career in education were served in comprehensive schools in Berkshire, where he held posts such as Head of Year and Head of Sixth Form.
In 2013, it was pointed out to Mr. Rickford by his wife that Reading was not the centre of the Universe and he ought to be a bit more adventurous. The result was a move to China, where both Mr. and Mrs. Rickford took up posts at Harrow International School Beijing. After two exciting years living and working in the capital, Mr. Rickford was appointed Deputy Head of Secondary (Curriculum) at the British International School Shanghai, Puxi - a member of the Nord Anglia family of schools.
Mr. Rickford’s interests include theatre and cinema, travelling in Asia and building his eclectic vinyl record collection. He owns an expensive rowing machine, although no one has actually seen him use it.