Nigel Archdale (Junior School Head 1992-2008)

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Nigel Archdale, Head of the Junior School 1992-2008, died peacefully at home on 2 November 2025, after a long term illness. 

The funeral will be a private occasion, limited to a small number of close family, but Nigel's family plan to hold a memorial in early 2026 to celebrate Nigel’s life.

Nigel joined The Junior as Head in 1992, at a time when the school was entering a period of transformation. Over his 16 years of leadership, he guided the school with warmth, integrity, and vision. He oversaw its transition from a boys’ prep to a fully co-educational school.

His commitment to education, his pupils, and his staff was evident in every aspect of school life.
Reflecting on their time together at The Prep School, Deborah Anderes (current Prep staff) recalls, 'Nigel was instrumental in guiding me through my early years in the teaching profession. He was always a calm hand on the tiller and was always there to wave school parties off on trips, even at two in the morning, and even took on the role of Dumbledore in a boarders’ Harry Potter feast!'

Nigel will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful Headmaster who led with confidence, care, and a deep sense of community.
Our deepest sympathies are with his wife Charlotte, his three children Laura, Edward and John, and all their family at this time.