Reasons behind the story

When teaching I was preparing boys for Common Entrance at 13 which would take many of them on to boarding school. Few of them knew what to expect and how to react to the many pressures of being away from home. The Mystery of the Goodfellowes' Code is an introduction to life at Boarding School.  Hopefully the characters show that everyone shares the same feelings and that it alright to have a good cry if the mood takes you. But above all there is a good time to be had and that the camaraderie engendered is character building and lasting.

The main character has struggled to get into the school and although in many ways he his quite able, he is full of self doubt, much of which has been implanted in him by others rather than being justified. The story sees him develop and ultimately prove something to himself. In the end he is happy with his achievement on a personal level and finds that the journey he has taken need not be applauded by his peers. He is accepted by them for what he is and he should take strength from the fact that they like him for himself not what he thinks he should be like.

The period described is based to some extent on my own school days which were very happy although much of the school boy banter is borrowed from today’s classroom.

The book is written in an adult and humorous style, hopefully I don’t talk down to my reader.

Sir Percy and the Wakeford Shield