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In Memory of Mr Barrie M. Clarke
It is with great sadness that The Old School announces the passing of our much-loved friend, colleague and teacher, Mr Barrie M. Clarke.
Barrie was a key figure in the life of The Old School from almost the very beginning, joining us in 2010 as our Mathematics and Science teacher. He quickly became known for his passion for learning, his warmth, and his belief that education should be experienced rather than simply taught.
When we first met Barrie, he famously said that he didn't need a classroom—"just a field." That simple statement perfectly captured his philosophy of science in action. He inspired curiosity, encouraged practical learning and showed generations of students that education could be exciting, memorable and fun.
Together with his wife, Dorothy, Barrie became renowned for the wonderful Christmas dinners they organised each year. Students and staff worked together as a team to prepare and celebrate the festive season, creating traditions and memories that will never be forgotten. More recently, Barrie continued to champion teamwork by hosting the school's beginning-of-term residential activities at his campsite, where staff and students developed confidence, resilience and lasting friendships through shared experiences.
Barrie will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him, had the privilege of being taught by him, or worked alongside him as a valued colleague and friend.
On a personal note, we will always remember Barrie's wisdom, kindness and exceptional understanding of pastoral care. During difficult times, his calm advice, thoughtful perspective and unwavering support were invaluable, and we shall always be grateful for his friendship.
A proud Yorkshireman, Barrie never forgot his roots. He often spoke with pride of being the first member of his family to attend university, determined, as he would say with characteristic humour, "to avoid the pit." His life reflected the values of hard work, education, humility and service to others.
Barrie touched the lives of so many people, and his legacy will continue through the countless students, colleagues and friends he inspired over the years.
If any member of our school community would like support during this difficult time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Everyone at The Old School extends our heartfelt condolences to Barrie's loving wife Dorothy, his family and to his many friends. Barrie will always remain a cherished part of our school's history and will never be forgotten.
Joel Bailey, Danièle Birchall, Julie Pollitt
The Old School
Barrie Clarke
Book of Condolence
Mr Barrie M. Clarke
Please leave a message, memory or reflection in honour of Barrie.
Your words will be a lasting tribute to a remarkable teacher, colleague and friend
While I was at this school, Barrie was always a hero in the school, always known to be leave and come back very soon, his dedication was unmatched to anyone else. He was one of the greatest, hardworking, and influential teachers that I have ever met in my entire life.
I will never forget you Barrie, rest well.
I was a pretty troubled teenager, quick to anger and struggled to keep my emotions in check. Barrie was the one person I felt genuinely saw me. Sometimes it was a nod or a wink or a smile from across the playground. Sometimes it was sitting in his car and letting me vent for half an hour. Sometimes it was a shared beer on his porch in summer.
He didn't pretend to always have the answer, but he always made me feel like something better was on the way.
We've lost a genuinely good person, and the world is a little dimmer without him in it.
Barrie was one of the friendliest, wittiest people I’ve ever known who helped me get to the stakes of solving algebra and maths. I’ll never forget he and ‘Dot the wife’ was responsible for bringing in their portable oven to the Old School building whenever we did cooking for the End of Term 2021 feast or the youngsters making cakes for the Christmas parties. He meant so much not just for me, but to my brother Benjamin, my family and the people we know and cherish in this friendly community. We’ll miss him so deeply in our hearts.
Cheers from one of his best students, Sebastian.
Barrie was one of the biggest influences in my teenage years, now in my mid 20's I have always considered him a mentor and a major contributor to any of the success that I have had.
Having gone through the French schooling system and struggling early on, I thought that I would never amount to much. There was one teacher who really cared, who really saw something in me and made me believe that I could achieve something in life and that was Barrie. Barrie gave me so much confidence and helped me grow as a person not just a student, his loss is devastating and he will be truly missed.
Everyone at the school benefitted from Barrie's warm and loving presence.
He was more than just a teacher, he was a friend, and I was so lucky to have him supporting me throughout my youth and beyond.
I will never forget what an amazing person he was.
mary
15-09-2026, 12:19barrie was a lovely teacher and a wonderful person he was so funny and kind I loved his smile and the Christmas fairs that he was all was at was so good and the school christmas dinners that we had at the end of term he was a legend I liked it when he gave us fist bumps when he came in to the school he will always be in our hearts forever rip barrie.