29 May 2026
Dear Parents,
A Living Piece of History: Welcoming a Founding Old Cliftonian
I trust that everyone in our community enjoyed a wonderful, restorative half-term break filled with rest, reflection, and quality family time.
On Monday, 18 May, our campus was blessed by a truly historic event. We were deeply honoured by a visit from Esmond Dowse, one of our original founding Old Cliftonians from the class of 1942. Remarkably, his visit fell on the exact anniversary of the day he first arrived at Clifton, as part of that brave, foundational group of boys who stepped off the train at Nottingham Road. Now in his vibrant 90s (and exploring the campus with an enviable spring in his step!) Esmond joined us for Chapel to deliver a Bible reading, before spending the morning touring the school estate.
It was a profoundly moving day of sharing stories and reflecting on how much our school has grown. Hearing his memories come to life left us with four powerful lessons that bridge our past directly to our present:
Grit and Independence: At the start of each term during World War II, Esmond would board the train from Durban, not seeing his parents again until the holidays. True independence was a necessity of the times. Today, we purposefully cultivate that exact same grit by encouraging our children to step out of their comfort zones, whether on outdoor trips or through daily school challenges, equipping them with the resilience needed for whatever the future holds.
The Freedom of the Estate: Esmond spoke vividly of the freedom he and his peers enjoyed exploring Top Woods and the rolling estate, noting how deeply it impacted his childhood happiness. We take immense pride in the fact that this freedom remains unchanged. Our expansive outdoors continues to be a vital extension of a Notties education, just as it was nearly 85 years ago.
A Legacy of Care: Esmond remembered his staff with immense fondness. From the matron in the dorms (amusingly, Esmond’s bed was located in the current Headmaster’s office!) to the teachers who prepared him for his transition to Kearsney. Despite the underlying anxieties of the war years, profound care was the standard. It is heartening to know that this deep, individual care remains the absolute bedrock of what our staff do today.
Foundations for Life: The values Esmond learnt at Notties formed the bedrock of a remarkable life. At 94, he still possesses a love for learning, forms immediate, meaningful connections, and carries himself with impeccable manners. He embraced every opportunity and continues to personify that quiet grit and humility (Prodesse Quam Conspici) that we strive to instil in every child.
Thank you, Esmond, for your visit, for beautifully embodying the Notties spirit, and for being such an inspirational ambassador for our school. We were all deeply blessed by your presence.
