Jonathan (Jon) Edwards. 1947-2024. BGS 1969-1978.

Obituary written by former staff Roger Cox, BGS 1973-2014

It is with much sadness that we have to announce the death of former Housemaster and Head of Geography, Jonathan (Jon) Edwards who died on 3rd December 2024.

He taught at the school for 9 years from 1969 to 1978 and was a charismatic and innovative teacher of his subject. As a Physical Geographer he excelled in his explanation of the processes of the natural world to those fortunate enough to experience him teaching ‘in the field’ - whether at the School’s Field Centre at Lodge Hill or on Sixth Form Field Studies excursions in places such as Aberystwyth. As a Housemaster and Form Tutor he saw his role as primarily being caring and sympathetic to the needs of all his students -  he would always be ready to help, advise and support pupils or parents in need. He brought huge energy and enthusiasm to all that he did and was the instigator of what became standard annual events such as the House Firework Evening in November and the summer term House trip. He enjoyed performing and was instrumental in staging an ‘It’s a Knockout’ competition at the School’s Mid-Summer Fair back in the mid 70s as well as being a leading member of the Independent Folk musical group (staff and students) who actually made a vinyl LP record, the proceeds of which went to a local charity. He was also a keen sportsman and would always be eager to turn out for staff sports teams where his cavalier approach, both on and off the field, was always memorable.

Jon left BGS in 1978 to become the head of Brindley Hall, the second school of the very progressive Stantonbury Campus in Milton Keynes. As one of the youngest heads in the country, he was a member of a government working party at Windsor Castle set up to examine future educational planning. In 1984 he moved north to a headship in Harrogate until his retirement in 2004. He continued working part-time for the local education authority for a further 4 years mentoring and supporting new heads in North Yorkshire.

We extend our sincere condolences to Jon’s wife Pip and her family at this very sad time.  

EXTRACT FROM THE 1977/78 CHRONICLE

Edwards's House Staff & Captains, 1974-75