We were very sorry to learn of the sudden death on 9th December 2024 of our former Deputy Headteacher, Ross Garratt, at the age of 78.
Ross was a graduate in English of Southampton University and began his career teaching English at the Skinners School, Tunbridge Wells, where he met and married Jan, who was working at the nearby girls’ school, before becoming Head of English at Leventhorpe School in Hertfordshire in 1977 and later Head of Sixth Form. He came to Prince Henry’s in 1984 as Deputy Head, working with three Headteachers: Stanley English, Gorman Stafford and Bernard Roberts. He taught English and Drama, but his major contribution was leading the Pastoral Teams. He retired in 2003 after serving the school for 19 years.
Away from school and in his retirement, Ross was a keen rugby fan (particularly Northampton Saints), enjoyed playing golf and was a very skilful bridge player. He also served as a magistrate for many years.
A devoted family man, our thoughts are with Ross’s wife Jan, his children Ed (who attended Sixth Form at Prince Henry’s) and Kate, his grandchildren and his wide group of friends, including many of his former colleagues at Prince Henry’s.
Dr Tony Evans
11th December 2024
Ross Garratt was a loyal and long serving deputy headteacher at Prince Henry’s. I was grateful to work with him for the first 10 years of my headship during which time I benefitted from his experience and ability to offer wise counsel, particularly in difficult situations.
Ross was a great servant of Prince Henry’s, with a strong sense of public duty. He was acting headteacher for a short period in 1993. Ross had a deep understanding of young people and an excellent sense of their needs. He appreciated how the school should be set up to meet these needs and under his watchful eye the pastoral system at Prince Henry’s went from strength to strength.
He was a strong presence around school. With a quiet word in the right ear at the right time, or a meaningful look in the right direction, Ross had an instinctive ability to defuse situations which could otherwise have escalated. Not glamorous work and often uncredited, but so important.
The Prince Henry’s community has lost one of its own, a wise and intelligent man who was excellent company and one whose contribution to the success of Prince Henry’s should not be under estimated.
Bernard Roberts
Headteacher 1993-2012
Ross Garratt was a hugely important figure in Prince Henry’s during my years as Head and we worked together very closely. His natural presence and outgoing personality made Ross a great source of strength in the school.
His understanding and insights shed light on many intractable issues. In every situation he was supportive, often bringing a relaxed touch, warmth and humour to the resolution of difficult issues. On other occasions, where the situation required it, his interventions could be very supportive.
Many happy memories remain.
Gorman Stafford
Headteacher 1986-1993
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