Earliest days at Collett School

By Brian Capper

I was appointed to Collett School as a teacher in 1964.  It was my first appointment in a special school.  I remained in special education until my retirement in 1995 from the post of Adviser for Special Needs in West Sussex.

I taught a class in the junior department at Collett, learned so much from the Headteacher, Sydney Barnsley, Helen Goddard, the deputy and Glyn Jones the original teacher employed to teach the starter unit in a local primary school.  

I was grateful to be seconded for a year to Cambridge Institute of Education to gain further qualifications in special education, and soon after was appointed Deputy head at Colnbrook School before being appointed to the Headship of Ruggetts School in East Hertfordshire.  

Collett had been good for me and it was a great pleasure to return sometime in the late 1990s to head an Ofsted inspection team.  The school did very well and it was fascinating for me to return 30 years after I had left to find the boxes of cricket equipment with my writing on them listing the contents.  

I enjoyed my time at Collett immensely, worked with some great children and gained an enthusiasm for teaching children with special educational needs that I have never lost.  I hope that the children I have taught have had similar encouragement.

 

 

This page was added on 10/05/2014.

Add your comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.

  • I went to collett school in 1986. It was the best school for me our Head master Mr macafery was a Legend and I remember he used to bring his little dog in called chips lol. I can’t imagine where I could of ended up had it not been for collett school. I remember teachers fondly. Remember always know your worth and try your best Love Laura Norman was Mckenzie xx

    By Laura Norman (07/07/2023)
  • Fascinating to read this, Brian. Would you get in touch with us at The Collett School so we can hear more, and let you know about our 50th anniversary celebrations? Please give us a ring or email admin@collett.herts.sch.uk. Thanks

    By Nicola Bradbury (10/06/2014)