Written by Richard Cairns, Principal of Brighton College
Thursday, 24 April 2025
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that former Head Master, John Leach, died last week after a period of illness.
John Leach arrived at Brighton as Head Master in 1987, moving from St. Edward’s School in Oxford, where he had served as Housemaster and Director of Studies. He was a quiet yet approachable man, an academic committed to the highest standards and a classicist of distinction. I got to know him well on his periodic visits to the College and was always struck by the gentle pride he took in the school even though I suspect that he was always at his happiest in the classroom teaching the classics, and he told me more than once that he found the ongoing financial difficulties of the school a heavy burden to carry at times.
John joined the College after Bill Blackshaw’s 16-year tenure, with a brief from the Governors to oversee a continued focus on co-education and raising academic standards. Under his auspices, co-education went from strength to strength, with the proportion of girls rising to 30% by 1997. During his tenure, three of his last four Heads of School were girls, reflecting the growing strength of their presence.
Academic achievement also improved during his time, both at GCSE and A-level, helped by the arrival of some very able youngsters under the assisted places scheme. However, John’s focus and interest were not limited to scholarship. During his ten years as Head Master, he was, at all times, a keen supporter of all school activities. His Deputy Head, John Spencer described how John Leach spent ‘many an hour’ watching the cricket each week. He would often be seen lending support at sports fixtures, frequently in driving wind and rain. He attended numerous concerts, plays, services and Open Days. This was never a chore for him: he genuinely enjoyed and celebrated the efforts of all pupils.
Furthermore, he set up a School Committee to give pupils a voice in school life and was proud of the school’s high standards in both sport and the performing arts. Meanwhile, his support for Chapel life was unfailing, and he oversaw the imaginative and exciting celebrations which marked the College’s 150th Anniversary in 1995.
Throughout his time as Head Master, John could always count on the loving and loyal support of his energetic wife, Rosamund, who also became an important figure around the school; a caring and committed member of the community, particularly in Chapel.
John retired in the summer of 1997, but both he and Rosamund remained closely connected to the College community, and returned to attend many events and reunions until Rosamund’s death in 2022.
John was a very good and kind human being and he loved this place. We remember him with love and gratitude. RIP.
__________________
A Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of John Leach will be held at St. John’s Burford on Wednesday 30th April at 3.30 pm.
The service will be live-streamed, with the recording available to watch later. Please contact the office for the link.
No flowers, please. Donations in memory of John can be made to the cancer support charity Maggie’s Oxford or Burford Church.
These may also be sent c/o Peter Smith & Son - Funeral Directors Ltd., 135 Burwell Drive, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 5LP (Cheques made payable to Maggie’s Oxford or Burford PCC).