School Heads

Bransgore Primary School has had a number of head teachers during its history, many of which have run the school for a significant period of their careers. The village recognises & thanks them and their staff for their dedication to the many children who have gained their first years of education in the village.

Mr. Talbot Headmaster 18?? - 18??

It is believed that Mr. Talbot was one of the first headmasters following the foundation of the school in 1841. His assistant schoolmistress was a lady named Bunny Tanner.

A lack of history for the early years….. then….

Jonathon Henry Nicholson Headmaster 1895 - 1905

Jonathon saw the opening of the new Bransgore School on September 12th 1895. The average attendance at this time was 115 pupils. During his teenier his wife, Charlotte Buckeridge Nicholson looked after the infant department. Ernest Nicholson, their son, became a teacher at the school in 1900 and their daughter Naomi Nicholson began her first year as a pupil teacher in the same year. For some reason Ernest left Bransgore School on the 9th December 1904 to join Christchurch School, leaving Jonathon to teach 62 children single-handed. Two years later he joined the Territorials and later still married Marjorie Light from Bransgore who was also a teacher. Jonathon died on the 23rd of March 1905. The school was closed for a week in his memory.

Charlotte Nicholson Headmistress: 1905 - 1920

Charlotte became Headmistress on the 1st of April 1905 following the untimely death of her husband. She had previously been in charge of the infants whilst her husband had been the headmaster. It was noted that in 1909 she caned about 12 children for arriving late at school after they arrived at school late after picking up balls at a lawn tennis tournament. Charlotte's son Ernest Nicholson took charge of the school on 12th of August 1910 for a while when his mother suffered a sudden illness. Charlotte finally resigned on the 30th of September 1920 after 27 years of teaching.

Mr. Harris Headmaster 1920? to 1927

Little yet known of Mr. Harris. Nancy Bennett, daughter of the subsequent headmaster remembers the name but that's about all.

Mr.William H Bennett Headmaster 13th June 1927 - 1962

Mr. Bennett designed the school emblem, a large version of which is still prominent in the school hall. It is formed from the letter 'B' for Bransgore and a fleur-de-lis. The navy blue colour came from the association of the school with St Mary's Church and the original shape was that of the one of the church windows. Mr. Bennett was an active church-choir member. The Head, his wife and his family lived in the old school house opposite the new school until 1936 when they built a bungalow in Poplar Lane named 'Five Acres', as it looked out over Five Acres field which was to the rear of the school. Mr. Bennett had a son Geoffrey in 1930. Geoffrey grew up in the village and gained an interest in flying whilst hanging around the Thunderbolts at Wincton (USAAF Station 414) and Marauders at Holmsley South during the Second World War. Geoffrey now lives in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, from where he keeps an eye on this web site and sends in valuable contributions. William's two daughters Judith and Nancy also did well for themselves in Nursing and Teaching. See account from Nancy

Bernard Brookes Headmaster 1962 - 1981

Bernard began his teaching career in 1948 after six years in the forces. On joining Bransgore School there were just 148 pupils. When he left, large housing developments in the village had more than doubled this number, making it the biggest Primary School in West Hampshire. His love of music inspired his pupils, music festivals and concerts became regular events. Many pupils showed musical flair and were given the opportunity to play with the Twynham Comprehensive School Orchestra.

Alan West Headmaster 1981 - 1999

Alan was born in England, although much of his early life was spent in New Zealand where his teaching career began straight after leaving college. Having returned to England in 1970 he taught for just one term at the nearby Ashley Primary School before a longer, eight-year stint at a new school at Pennington. Following a further move to the headship of Beaulieu School, with 70 pupils he finally became the head of Bransgore Primary. Alan did much for the school during his time but finally left in1999, following a period of poor relations with some of the governors & staff. This was identified during an OFSTED inspection and subsequently created some unfortunate local press.

Tina Bunting Acting Headmistress 1999 - 2000

Tina stepped in, following Alan West's' resignation, from her previous the post as deputy head whilst a new permanent head was found. Following the appointment of the new head, Tina remained at the school in her previous capacity until early 2003 when she moved on to take the headship of Hordle CofE Primary School.

Peter Pretlove Headmaster 2nd May 2000 - Date

Peter came to the school with a good pedigree and a number of 'promises' to make significant improvements to the school. With a great deal of effort from him and his staff and the support from the governors, BSA, parents and children, the school has certainly become a very happy, lively and productive place of learning. And they still have plans for more enhancements! We wish Peter and all concerned 'all the best' in their endeavors.

If you can add to (or correct?) this data please let us know. e-mail robin@bransgore.org.uk

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Last modified: 21/11/03