A.O.S.A. 2004 ANNUAL REPORT

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We were all saddened to learn of the death of John Reader on 17 August. As Headmaster between 1953-1975, and formerly a member of staff, John put the school on the map with his charismatic personality and quiet style of leadership. Helped by his beloved wife Mary, he continued the good work of Stanley Carr, creating a safe family environment while looking forward in an unusually radical way, ahead of his time in educational theory and practice.

The atmosphere at Ayton during John’s time as Head was electric. He made staff appointments of young, intellectual and creative men and women who pushed the academic standards of the school to an all-time high, with the first Cambridge undergraduate in Oliver Spence and many students going on to university. At the same time music, sport, general knowledge, hobbies such as weaving and rock climbing gave all students a rounded and satisfying education. John’s personal involvement with students led to many adventurous climbing and walking trips to The Lake District, stimulating sessions in his study leading to ‘A’ levels in General Studies. Students were encouraged to read the serious newspapers, quizzed on the leader in the Observer and made to justify their opinions, introduced to new ideas in Art (for example Leach Pottery) through Mary’s involvement. The custom of bringing outside speakers was developed, opening windows on new worlds with a developing sense of responsibility to, and interest in other countries, especially poorer ones. It can be no coincidence that so many Ayton students live and work abroad.

It did not take long for the professional and forward-looking parents of the North East to realise that Ayton could offer something unique. Very soon pupils who might have attended the big Public Schools or prestigious Grammar Schools were finding their way to Ayton, helping academic standards to continue rising.

However, it is not just as a fine Head that so many of us remember John. His nick-name was “The Boss” and when word went round that “The Boss is coming” all students shot to their desks. He must have smiled at this reaction because what so many of us appreciate now was his shy, irony. As one former pupil wrote, “the stern exterior concealed a shyness but a wonderfully dry sense humour.”

An exceptionally strong, physically fit man, he commanded respect, striding across the playground, or taking Meeting, leading us on to appreciate qualities of integrity, honesty and compassion. Academic success was never allowed to overshadow other activities such as helping at Botton Hall, entertaining the blind from Stockton, helping vulnerable children to develop at their own pace in the non-threatening atmosphere of Ayton. Another former pupil said “It is only in latter years that I have realised how sensitive and understanding to a teenager’s needs he was.” This was also shown in the way he could always remember former students and take an interest in their adult lives.

Much of the comfortable physical environment that so many of us enjoyed came as a result of the vision of John and partner-in-strength Evelyn Nicholson. John’s powers of persuasion and oratory were put to good use making contact with local industries, taking a touring exhibition supported by technically advanced camera work to spread the word of Ayton’s success. Margaret Cumbor writes:

“In 1955, as a result of an Appeal, greatly supported by Evelyn Nicholson, the new classroom block opened together with the Girls’ Changing Room and considerable improvements to the staff accommodation in The Nutshell.

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