The Passing of Mr John Crook, Headmaster 1984–2002

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Mr John Crook, former Headmaster of Halliford School from 1984 until his retirement in 2002. John died peacefully earlier this week, surrounded by his family.

John devoted nearly two decades of his life to the school, leaving an indelible mark on our community. He will be remembered with great affection and gratitude by generations of students, staff, and parents.

I met John within weeks of my arrival as Headmaster in 2017 and we instantly struck up a warm rapport. John looked incredulously at me as I was introduced to him as the new Headmaster and told me I looked more like a sixth form student! I took this as a compliment and there began a deep respect for one of the truly visionary characters in the history of our school.

Having talked to John and Mary on many occasions it was clear to me that he was deeply committed to the people who made up the Halliford community. He took a personal interest in students’ progress and wellbeing and supported his staff with dedication and integrity. He would tell me about students from his time and their adventures. So many Old Hallifordians who were students here under John have returned to the school, and they all describe his leadership style as being characterised by warmth, approachability, and a genuine passion for education in the most holistic sense.

During his tenure, John oversaw a period of significant growth and transformation at Halliford. His vision for the school combined both academic ambition and a strong belief in providing outstanding facilities for students. Among his many achievements was the development of the Baker Building, which opened in 1991 and quickly became a central part of school life.

John had the foresight to expand the sixth form to welcome the young ladies of St David’s College, and the tales of those early days of co-education speak of a school where he wanted nothing but the best for the young people in his care. Mary was there beside him every step of the way, characteristically ensuring the new arrivals saw Halliford at its finest.

Perhaps most notably, John led an ambitious programme of redevelopment at the turn of the millennium, driven by his passionate advocacy for the Arts and he saw the Theatre very much as the pinnacle of his Headship. In the summer of 2000, a major project began involving the demolition of the old stable block to make way for a modern 320-seat theatre, along with a new dining area and kitchen facilities. This development culminated in the official opening of the John Crook Theatre in 2001, a fitting tribute to his leadership, with the ceremony overseen by the distinguished actor Frank Finlay CBE. John laid the foundations for further enhancements, including proposals for a new sports hall, helping to shape the long-term vision and direction of the school. In his final act as Headmaster, he also managed to secure the use of land in the village as sports fields for the school. This area went on to be developed into our magnificent sports fields, referred to affectionately as ‘Wembley’.

John has remained closely connected to Halliford over the years. Together with his wife Mary, he attended numerous school events and occasions, always taking great pleasure in seeing the continued success and development of the school he had served so faithfully. It was always a joy to welcome him back, and his presence was a reminder of the lasting legacy he created. John will be greatly missed by us all, but his contribution to Halliford School will endure for many years to come. We hold Mary and John’s family in our thoughts at this very sad time.

John’s funeral will take place here at Halliford School in the John Crook Theatre on Tuesday 7th July at 12 noon. The service will be conducted by Richard Truss and will be followed by refreshments in the Forum at Halliford School. Parking will be available via the Wadham Close gates at the rear of the school from 11.15am.

Mary and John’s family have asked that in lieu of flowers, there will be a collection taken at the service towards a bursary to support a student at the school in John’s memory.

If you would like to share memories of your time with John, please do send these to: marketing@hallifordschool.co.uk and we will collate these together to present to Mary.

I look forward to welcoming those who are able to join us on the 7th July for a fitting tribute to a true Hallifordian.

James Davies

Headmaster