I am sorry to confirm the death of Patrick Tobin, who was the very distinguished Principal of our schools from 1989 to 2000.
Patrick joined the schools in August 1989 in succession to Robin Morgan. With an excellent degree from Oxford University and a broad teaching background which included a spell as Head of History at Tonbridge School and previous experience of Headship at Prior Park in Bath, Patrick was possessed of a formidable intellect and brought with him wide experience and a deep and lasting commitment to academic rigour and expectations.
Patrick was instrumental in developing many of the structures which remain part of our schools today including staff appraisal, the use of comparative statistics, the structure of the school timetable, an increase in the range and number of subjects taught and the introduction of a joint Sixth Year and shared guidance system. The schools became more academic in their approach and results improved considerably during his decade in charge. The schools also became much closer to each other and during Patrick’s tenure the foundations of the future integration into today’s ESMS were laid.
Patrick was very involved in independent schools’ education on a UK wide basis and his appointment as Chairman of HMC in 1998 was a personal highlight. By the time he retired in 2000 he had undoubtedly changed the schools and laid the foundations on which David Gray built the ESMS we know today. Patrick and his wife Margery, who taught in the Modern Languages Department of MES, retired to the Isle of Wight where he continued to be actively involved in independent school education as a Governor of several schools and as a member of national advisory groups.
Patrick and Margery visited our schools from time to time after his retirement and were regular supporters of the London FP Club Annual Dinner. Patrick, who leaves behind Margery, his four children and his beloved grandchildren, had suffered from ill-health for some time and died peacefully at home on Wednesday surrounded by his family. Details of any digital access to his funeral service or memorial service will be published on www.community.esms.org.uk when available.
