Alumnus James Gordon Reid Haveloch-Jones, (History 2012), presents The Gold Standard: Coaching For Excellence—a philosophical and personal exploration of coaching, leadership, and transformation within elite education.
James draws on a life shaped by ceremonial grandeur, grassroots outreach, and intimate mentorship to redefine excellence—not as prestige, but as presence, empathy, and quiet brilliance. Deploying personal encounters with public figures such as President George W. Bush, President Vladimir Putin, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Gold Standard blends personal memoir with philosophy, social sciences and educational insight.
Already stocked in bookshops in Eton and lifestyle boutiques in Windsor, the book has been reviewed in the National Jesuit Journal and is set to feature in other national publications. It is also available on Amazon. To find out more, click here.
James’s writing has also been published in Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine, where he speaks candidly about safeguarding in the Church, the protection of young people, and the legacy of spiritual abuse within elite evangelical education.
About the Author
Since graduating, James has cultivated a multifaceted career across education, global conferences, and luxury publishing. His transition into education began at Abbey College Cambridge, where he served as both Houseparent and English Teacher, supporting international students academically and pastorally. This experience laid the foundation for the Achievers™ Programme, a mentorship model he co-founded to help students secure placements and scholarships at top-tier schools—including Eton, Westminster, and Wycombe Abbey—without academic pre-selection. Today, James leads as an education consultant and academic tutor, blending philosophical insight with practical coaching to champion excellence, inclusion, and legacy. He has recently been elected as a Trustee of the Heythrop Association University of London in addition to his current Honorary Associate Fellowship at St George's House, Windsor Castle. You can read more about James on his website.
Reflecting on his time at Royal Holloway, James says:
“The stunning setting of Royal Holloway was more than picturesque—it was formative. I had the privilege of living in the Founder's Building for all three years, and that experience shaped my sense of tradition, belonging, and intellectual ambition. The community was exceptionally supportive, and I was fortunate to be mentored by Professor Clive Burgess, a world-leading expert in late medieval history. His intellectual generosity and personal insight were instrumental in my development—he challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me find my voice.”
James also treasures his social and intellectual life on campus:
“One of my most cherished memories was hosting G&T nights every Tuesday in my turret room in the Founder's Building. Friends and peers would gather not just to unwind, but to engage in meaningful conversation, exchange ideas, and challenge each other’s thinking. Those evenings embodied the spirit of Royal Holloway: a place where heritage meets curiosity, and where community becomes a catalyst for intellectual growth.”
The Gold Standard: Coaching For Excellence reflects this same spirit of reflection, inclusion, and growth, extending James’s passion for education and mentorship into a wider conversation about excellence in all its forms.
Congratulations James!
