Eton College has said farewell to its Head Master, Tony Little, who has finished his last school year after 13 years in the role.
Tony was a pupil at Eton, after receiving what was the equivalent of a fully-funded music scholarship. His experience led to a passion for ensuring that talented boys could attend the school, irrespective of their financial background. During the 2014/15 academic year 70 pupils have attended Eton on 100% means-tested bursaries. Altogether around a fifth of boys received means-tested financial support, averaging a 64% reduction in fees.
After leaving school Tony read English at the University of Cambridge and stayed on to take a teaching qualification. His successful teaching career included the headship of Oakham School.
Paying tribute to him, the Provost of Eton College, Lord Waldegrave of North Hill said:
“The trust which Tony has won in his thirteen years at Eton, and I have no doubt in his twelve previous years of headship at other schools, derives not from calculated policy but from the man himself, and it was the bedrock on which his achievements have been founded. What you see is what you get with Tony: and what you see is very good indeed.
“Eton was a fine school when he took it over. But it is a much better school now. He saw what we could be, if we added humanity to excellence.
“His name has now been added, whether he likes it or not – and as a modest man I know how he hates this sort of accolade – to the list of the very greatest Head Masters of Eton. We shall miss him as a leader, and as a friend.”
The Provost also thanked Tony’s wife, Jenny, for her contribution towards the school’s success during the past 13 years.
From September, the Head Master of Eton College will be Simon Henderson, who joins from Bradfield College. Simon has experience of Eton having taught at the school for eight years, of which four were as Head of History.
“Simon is an excellent choice to build upon Tony’s work and take Eton forward,” said the Provost. “He has a first-class reputation as a progressive and innovative head and we are very much looking forward to welcoming him back to Eton.”
