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Rowland Brown OBE (1933 - 2010)   Headmaster RGS High Wycombe (1975 – 1993)

With the passing of Rowland Brown, the Royal Grammar School has lost not only a true friend and an outstanding retired Headmaster, but more importantly a man who always put the needs of RGS pupils to the fore.

There can be no doubt that Rowland will be remembered as one of the great Headmasters of the RGS and arguably on the national arena as well.  It was a privilege to work with him and there are many who will testify to Rowland’s extraordinary dedication to the RGS.  Under his leadership the school developed and raised its academic, sporting, social and cultural achievements.  Rowland always strove to achieve the best for RGS pupils. 

Although Rowland retired as Headmaster in 1993, he and his wife, Jay, maintained a close interest in the school.  As a trustee of the RGS Foundation, Rowland was fully involved in the school.  Never a man for the grand statement or gesture, but when Rowland spoke, it was always worth paying attention and listening carefully.  His quiet authority, wisdom and passion for the school will be much missed.  Both Jay and Rowland were regular attendees at concerts, plays, dinners and Prize Givings.

Rowland also contributed much to the life of the town.  He was a member of Rotary, serving as President and was recently awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship.  He served for many years on the local Magistrates Bench and was a leading member and Trustee of the Union Baptist Church in Easton Street.

Despite the remarkable public success Rowland enjoyed, he was an intensely private man.  A devoted husband, father and grandfather; Rowland was always pleased to give the latest news on his growing family.  Two of his grandsons studied for their A levels in the Sixth Form at RGS and I distinctly remember Rowland being present on Results Day; always the proud and supportive grandfather.

He was hugely respected by his fellow headteachers; frequently offering quiet but pertinent advice to colleagues seeking his opinion on a wide range of issues.  There was even a ‘rumour’ based, I believe, on good inside knowledge that when a new Government initiative arrived, the Education Department at County Hall would frequently wait to see what RGS (ie Rowland Brown) would do about it before acting.  Despite Rowland’s inherent ‘gravitas’, particularly remembered by many OWs, underneath there was a wonderful sense of humour.  His fellow heads often suffered from the well planned and brilliantly executed double bluff.  His year as President of the Secondary Heads’ Association was a notable success and he was their legal advisor for many years.  Rowland was awarded an OBE on his retirement to acknowledge his contribution to education over many years.

Rowland was educated at Queen Mary School, Basingstoke where he was a distinguished sportsman.  He took his place as a scholar at Worcester College, Oxford reading French.  He then studied Russian at Cambridge during his National Service in the Intelligence Corp.  He taught at Hampton School, Tudor Grange Grammar School and was Headmaster at King Edward VI Grammar School, Nuneaton before joining RGS.

There is no doubt that the RGS owes a huge debt to Rowland Brown.  We at RGS recognise that Rowland was an exceptional Headmaster.  We pay tribute to a remarkable man and offer our sincere sympathy to his family.

RMP
September 2010