John Rae (educator)

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John Rae (20 March 1931 - 16 December 2006) was a British novelist, journalist and former headmaster of Westminster School (1970 - 1986) and Taunton School.

[edit] Westminster School

He became Head Master of Westminster School in 1970. During his time there he became a prominent and oft-heard voice on educational questions in the British print and broadcast media, known as a singular and distinctive figure. It was under his Head Mastership that girls first became full-time members of the school, in 1973. In 1976 a new day house, Dryden's, was created. It is located next to Wren's and under College, just off Little Dean's Yard. In 1981 to cope with the increased numbers of girls a new boarding house, Purcell's, was opened. It is still located about 20m from Little Dean's Yard. In the same year a new building was bought for the Under School - Adrian House in Vincent Square.

[edit] Works

He was a prolific writer on education, with work including "Letters to Parents" and "The Public School Revolution", in addition to his professional autobiography "Delusions of Grandeur". His 1961 novel, The Custard Boys, was adapted to make the 1962 film Reach for Glory, which won a United Nations Award, and again for a 1979 film under its original name, as well as being shortlisted for the John Llewellyn Rees Memorial Prize. In 1983 he assisted Roland Joffe in the production of the film The Killing Fields, and in 1986 became head of the Laura Ashley Foundation. He was also a director of The Observer from 1986 to 1993, and in 1989 became the first head of the Portman Group, which advocates responsible drinking.