David Trott 1929-2026, BGS 1952-1990

We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of beloved former BGS staff member, David Trott, who recently passed away aged 97. David joins his wife, Mary, in rest and leaves behind two daughters Hilary and Amanda and two grandchildren, Kate and Charlie. 

Born in Birmingham in 1929, David attended Sidcot School during the war years from 1939 to 1946. Following National Service, he trained at Loughborough University before beginning his teaching career in Keswick, where he spent three years prior to joining BGS in 1952.

David became one of the School’s most respected and loved teachers. Teaching both PE and English, he brought enthusiasm, kindness and dedication to every aspect of school life. He was a gifted Rugby and Athletics coach whose encouragement and passion inspired generations of pupils both on the field and beyond it.

David also served as Head of Years 7 and 8 and, in 1959, became Head of Green House, remaining Head of House for nearly twenty years until it became Cox’s in 1977.

Alongside his lifelong passion for sport and drama, he was a devoted and talented musician who greatly enjoyed playing the cello. Following his retirement from BGS in 1990, a career he thoroughly enjoyed, he continued his commitment to public service as a magistrate until the age of 70.

In 1959, David married his wife Mary, with whom he shared a long and happy family life. Together they raised two children, Hilary and Amanda, and later delighted in their grandchildren, Kate and Charlie.

David remained an active and cherished member of the Old Bristolians’ community for many years, and his warmth, humour and generosity will be remembered fondly by former pupils, colleagues and friends alike. His contribution to the life of BGS was immense, and his legacy will endure for generations to come.

Below, we have included some of the many heartfelt memories and tributes shared by those who knew David following our earlier announcement of his passing across our social media channels. It is a privilege to bring these reflections together as part of a lasting tribute to David’s life, and to the profound impact he had on generations of pupils, colleagues and friends within the BGS community. 

Ian Rolling, Former Colleague, BGS 1970-2007

David was a wonderful colleague and friend. He had a term in the States in my first year of teaching at BGS and I was entrusted with his form for that time. When I became a Housemaster, later to be Head of House, in 1975 he was the Senior Housemaster and was a great supporter to me.

He was a caring teacher and all the students appreciated the support he gave them. He did so much for BGS through his teaching, pastoral work, sport, music and drama.

It was always a joy to reminisce with him on the occasions we met up after he retired. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Roger Cox, Former Colleague and David’s successor of Head of Green House, BGS 1973-2014

A lovely and very talented man. Musical - a fine cellist, a lover of the theatre and producer of many house and Middle School plays. A great English teacher and talented sportsman and sports coach. It was a privilege to succeed him as Head of the Green House. My sincere condolences go to his family.

Chris Jeffery, OB 1980 and Former Staff member 1988-1996

I have so much to thank David for. He was a great Housemaster, and approached the pupils with a depth of kindness that wasn’t common in schoolmasters of his vintage. Later, when I was his young colleague, his gentle encouragement and quiet wisdom were really important to me as I found my way through the early years of teaching and pastoral care.

I was in Bristol a few years ago for a day and saw him struggling across The Downs with his walking poles, clearly finding the going tough; he must have been in his late eighties then. I stopped the car and went over to talk to him. We had such a lovely conversation and his memory was so sharp. He was especially fascinated that, having been educated at a Quaker school himself, I was now leading one. I’m certain that it was partly his quiet, genuine example as both my teacher and my colleague that helped that.

A true gentleman, and a lovely gentle man!

Tony Rice OB 1982

Very sad news! Mr Trott was my first house master and was such a lovely man and introduced me to rugby from the round ball. He will be sadly missed by the OBs community. Sending love sympathies to his family!

Richard Browning OB 1977

Sad news indeed. Mr Trott was my housemaster for all my time at BGS. A truly inspirational figure and a fabulous teacher. RIP David.

David Cox OB 1971

Sad to read this although I was in Bookers House and Trotts were our arch rivals it didn't stop Mr Trott being my inspiration in my School team rugby and athletics coaching. A legacy that stuck with me way beyond school years as it would have done for scores of others. Legend!

Anna Francolini OB 1990

I think very fondly of him and always think of him when I spell ‘separate’ as I’ll never forget his face brimming with laughter as he told us there was ‘a rat’ in the word separate. Many condolences to his family.

Zoe Pattison OB 1993

David Trott was my form tutor when I started BGS in 1986. At the time, I was very unwell and really shouldn’t have even been going to school. Mr Trott was the one teacher that made my difficult days better that year. He was so kind and caring and really looked after me. I will never forget how he made that hard year so much more bearable for me. He will always have a special place in my heart because of this. Such a gentleman in every sense of the word. My condolences to his family x

Sarah Bird OB 1998

A true gentleman. He was my form tutor and English teacher in 3.5 but his impact reached far beyond this. To this day I spell separate with A-RAT in it too and I clearly remember his kindness as I adjusted to the enormous step up to high school from my tiny church primary school. Years after leaving school I bumped into him in Waitrose. Within minutes he recalled my name and which plays of his I’d been in. Quite remarkable when he had encountered so many young lives over the years. RIP Mr Trott, a life well lived and of unmeasurable impact to us all. Condolences to his family.

Claire King OB 1991

This is very sad news to read. My form tutor in 3.5 and made the transition to secondary school a breeze. Such a kind big hearted man and we kept in touch sporadically after I left as lived close to my parents. It was lovely to see him at recent old Bristolian events and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. A beautiful soul who will be sorely missed RIP x

Oliver Lewis OB 1994

He was a brilliant teacher. A rare person who spanned the strong divide between students interested in sports and those more into music and drama. He directed Oliver Twist which was one of the highlights of my time at BGS. And he was a very competent cellist. May his memory be a blessing.