Martin Jones sadly passed away on Wednesday 16th September 2015.

Martin worked at the High School for a remarkable 49 years, retiring at the end of last Summer Term.  In recent years he was the School’s Counsellor but prior to that he was Housemaster of Cooper’s, a Mathematics teacher and someone who loved the outdoors being responsible for numerous trips and expeditions and was fully involved in the running of both CCF and Duke of Edinburgh.
 
Martin was a very popular member of staff – all recognized his passion for the High School but above all his human qualities of friendship, empathy and integrity. The School flag has been flying half-mast over the past few days and a one minute silence was observed in assembly.
 
Mr Fear, Headmaster said “Martin Jones has been one of the most inspirational teachers I have come across in my own career.  The reason for this is his outstanding care and his ability to listen.  This is a much under-rated skill yet Martin was always prepared to patiently allow pupils or colleagues to share their concerns with him.  He was never judgmental but his wise counsel and empathy made him a natural in his counselling role". 
 
Martin completed a degree in Chemical Engineering at Imperial College in 1965 and took his Certificate of Education at Queen’s College, Cambridge immediately after. He spotted an advert for an enthusiastic teacher of Mathematics and rowing and was appointed by K R Imeson, starting in June 1966 on £10 a week and living at the YMCA on Shakespeare Street.
 
His initial appointment was for Mathematics and Chemistry, and he taught O-level Chemistry and General Science over his first three years in addition to Mathematics and Games. In the early days he helped with U15 Rugby and Rowing, before taking over the Rowing for 10 years with the Senior and Middle School. Rowing involved travelling all over the country for weekend regattas and meetings, especially as there were no home fixtures.
 
Martin became involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme straight away on his arrival at the School and in 1968 he took over the running of the expeditions. He had also joined the CCF in 1967.
 
He was a great innovator and he inspired many boys and staff to take on adventures they would otherwise only have dreamed of. In 1975 he and other members of staff established the Bala Junior Adventurous Training camp and his first adventurous training camp was in 1981 to the Pyrenees. Bala has run every year since and the overseas camp every two years, taking on such countries as India and Sulawesi.
 
Martin left the CCF in 2000 after 30 years as a RAF officer. He was in charge of the RAF section for thirty one of those years and was the Contingent Commanding Officer for six years.
 
In 1979 when the Rowing folded, he took over the Rugby 2nd XV for eleven years and the U12 for fourteen years. This was all while teaching a full timetable of Mathematics over the full range of age and ability.
 
For much of his time at the School Martin was a Year 8 form teacher. In 1970 he became a tutor in White’s House and in 1991 became Housemaster of Cooper’s House, a position that inspired him yet again to be innovative and generous with his time. Fundraising for charity took off in a big way, with well over £50,000 raised in his thirteen years in charge. Among Martin’s many ideas were the Cooper’s House Quiz Night, Sponsored Cycle Rides (100 miles!) and Junior Discos.