Brian Fletcher (1938 – 2024)

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Brian Fletcher, former Deputy Head Teacher at Holloway School, died at Watford General Hospital on Saturday 28th September 2024. Brian was 85 years old.

Brian was born in Louth Lincolnshire on 1 October 1938.  After National Service with the Royal Signals at Catterick, Brian attended Bognor Regis Training College, later taking a degree in Education at Middlesex Polytechnic on a sabbatical year. Following a two year posting to the RAF School at Khormaksar Aden, he joined the staff of Holloway School as a maths teacher in 1964. He soon became Deputy Head of  Year . To gain promotion Brian took a post at Stockwell Manor in 1967 for 18 months, but came back to Holloway as Head of Lower School in 1969. Brian was promoted to Deputy Head after his sabbatical year 1973-4. In 1977, Brian accepted the post of Headmaster of Christ’s College Finchley (CCF), which was amalgamating with the Alder School to become comprehensive, and remained in post till his retirement in 1995. He later did some inspection work with OFSTED.

Cynthia, his wife, has fond memories of Holloway School as that is where she met Brian, while interviewing for a Government survey on the raising of the school leaving age. Brian remained in close touch with both Gordon Clarke and Louis Watt till the end of their lives as they had a significant impact on his career. Brian  had great respect for the staff at his time, some of whom were idealistic about comprehensive education, politically aware and in the music department, highly talented. Who can forget Zounds!

“I was pleased to hear from you that you remember Brian in his Holloway days. He always said that his experience there was where he really learned his trade.  I have been very comforted by the messages I have received from former CCF staff about the high regard they have for Brian’s time as Head. Some owe their posts to him, and spent the whole of their teaching careers in the school. “His wise and decisive leadership as Headmaster served the school well – we have not seen the likes of him since”, wrote one of his appointees. He does himself owe a debt to Holloway, especially the staff members who saw raw talent and gave him opportunities to develop his teaching and management skills”.

Many thanks for your kind words, and best wishes to the Old Camdenians.

Cynthia Fletcher

Our sincere condolences go to Cynthia, his wife,  at this difficult time.

Brian’s funeral will be held at Hemel Hempstead Crematorium, Bedmond Road, Bunkers Park, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 8LL on Monday 4th November, at 11.30.

Ray Rowe

Ray Rowe