DAVID JEWELL was a distinguished headmaster — far-sighted, warm in spirit, a brilliant public speaker, with a deep understanding of human nature — and a leading figure in the world of independent schools for more than a quarter of a century.
Headmaster successively of the former direct-grant Bristol Cathedral School, and then two public schools, Repton and Haileybury, he had a broad outlook which saw the independent schools (as they became known) as servants of the nation.
A staunch campaigner for the direct-grant schools, he was influential in persuading the Conservative Government to introduce the assisted places scheme. Widening access to educational opportunity was a recurring theme in his philosophy.
Born in the fishing village of Porthleven, he was a Cornishman to his core; his rich voice, fierce passions, love of music and deep Christian faith — stemming from his 1930s Methodist upbringing — shaped his life. He attended Blundell’s School and St John’s College, Oxford, where he read chemistry, with National Service in the RAF sandwiched between the two. His wideranging intellect, enthusiasm for sport and extrovert and ebullient personality equipped him admirably for life as a schoolmaster.
Having begun his career at Eastbourne College as head of science and then at Winchester College, he made an unusual but typically imaginative move into the maintained sector as deputy head of Lawrence Weston Comprehensive School in Bristol. At 36 he became headmaster of Bristol Cathedral School which he led from direct-grant status to independence.
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He then steered Repton, a traditional boys’ boarding school, through a changing world which included a decline in the fashion for boarding. To Haileybury he brought distinction and a high profile when that bastion of the imperial past was realigning its role in suburban Hertfordshire.
Jewell was a larger-than-life character. Big physically, ruddy in complexion, with a commanding presence, he was convivial and gregarious. His parties were legendary. His love of good wine was matched by his stamina. He knew everybody — fellow heads, bishops, sporting personalities, movers and shakers. The Hall at Repton, and the Master’s Lodge at Haileybury were festive and always interesting places.
However, beneath the bluff bonhomie was a shrewd mind, a warm heart and a penetrating intellect. He was decisive in a crisis and could, if necessary, be ruthless, but he understood and sympathised with teenage foibles. A fine performer in public, with a well-stocked mind and an inexhaustible fund of anecdotes, he brought panache and enthusiasm to his year as chairman of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) in 1990.
Jewell loved schools and their people. The young appreciated that he was someone who knew and cared about them. He took pains to recruit first-class staff and encouraged them to the full. They were kept on their toes, too; speedily and without ceremony they learnt how to use the English language precisely and correctly in writing reports. He encouraged promising members of staff to develop their careers, and a number of his protégés were promoted, several of them to headships.
As teacher, headmaster, committee man in HMC, governor of a number of schools, including spells as chairman of the Blundell’s board and vice-chairman of Truro School, adviser and commentator, he had a big influence on the education of the young. His values were sound and he understood the mechanics of schools so that he was able to shape and to improve the educational opportunities of a very wide range of people from all walks of life.
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It was typical of his energy that, when he bought a house in Porthleven two years ago, he immediately became a town councillor and made an impact, despite failing health.
He is survived by his wife Katharine, whom he had met and married in Oxford days, their three daughters and one son.
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David Jewell, headmaster, was born on March 24, 1934. He died on May 21, 2006, aged 72.