Cranbrook School mourns the passing of Peter Close, a visionary headmaster whose leadership shaped the school through a period of great transition and reform. Serving as head from 1988 to 1998, he was at the helm during a time of profound educational change, guiding Cranbrook with wisdom, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

A Career Spanning the State and Independent Sectors

Peter Close’s journey in education was unusually broad, spanning both the independent and state sectors, making him uniquely suited to lead Cranbrook through an era of shifting educational landscapes.

After graduating from Cambridge, he began his teaching career at Haileybury in 1965, the independent boarding school where he himself had been a pupil. In 1969, he moved to teach at Bristol Grammar School and then Monks Park Comprehensive, before taking on a leadership role at St John’s Comprehensive in Epping, where he became Head of Year in 1974.

Progressing further in school leadership, he was appointed Deputy Head at Midhurst Grammar School in 1977, before taking on his first headship in 1982 at Thomas Hardye Grammar School in Dorset, a school with two boarding houses. His ability to balance tradition with modern educational developments made him an outstanding choice for Cranbrook when he was appointed Head in 1988.

Guiding Cranbrook Through Change

Close’s tenure coincided with some of the most significant changes in British education, particularly the introduction of the 1988 Education Act, which transferred key financial and managerial responsibilities from local authorities to schools. Under his leadership, Cranbrook became a Grant Maintained school in 1991, securing greater financial autonomy, allowing for key developments, and ensuring the school continued to thrive.

As the political landscape shifted, Close worked closely with governors to plan Cranbrook’s return to Voluntary Aided status. Though he retired before the transition was completed in 1999, his groundwork was instrumental in ensuring a smooth process.

Beyond governance, Close was deeply involved in student life, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and extracurricular engagement. His era saw the development of modern sports facilities, the expansion of academic societies, and a strong emphasis on character-building through activities like the CCF. Two of his key initiatives remain a lasting legacy at Cranbrook:

• He persuaded the governors to build the all-weather pitch, the Cornwallis AstroTurf, which continues to benefit generations of students.
• He initiated the change to remove Saturday morning lessons, a major shift in the school week. While the governors approved it the term after his retirement, they wisely decided to implement it under his successor, Angela Daly.

A Lasting Impact

Despite the increasing pressures of league tables and exam-focused reforms, Close remained committed to maintaining Cranbrook’s breadth of educational experience. His leadership ensured that while academic standards remained high, students continued to benefit from the arts, sports, and cultural opportunities that made the school unique. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, shaping the lives of countless students and staff who remember him with admiration and gratitude.

Peter Close retired in 1998 due to health concerns, and the baton was passed to Angela Daly two terms later when she became Cranbrook’s first female headteacher. His legacy, however, endures in the school’s ethos, the many developments he oversaw, and the generations of students who benefitted from his leadership.

Cranbrook School extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be remembered not only for his contributions to the school but also for his kindness, integrity, and unwavering dedication to education.