From THE CITY OF OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE VoL. LIV, ii APRIL 1962 No. 173
School Notes
An important chapter in the School’s history seemed to be nearing completion when one morning early this term the Headmaster formally announced at Assembly his intention of retiring in July.
The announcement was made shortly atter the Old Oxtord Citizens’ Annual General Meeting at which, as reported on p. 52 of this issue, the President had mentioned the imminence of this event and paid tribute to the Headmaster’s long and close association with the School and his devotion to it. The Headmaster expressed his pleasure that he would be succeeded by Mr. Bodey, in whom he had so much confidence.
From THE CITY OF OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE VoL. LIV, iii JULY 1962 no 175
School Notes July 1962
Among the new boys who entered the playground of the City of Oxford High School for Boys in September 1908, with a Nixon Exhibition was one F. C. Lay who was to help to maintain the school’s reputation for scholarship by winning an open Exhibition in Chemistry at Jesus College and who was destined to return to Oxford to become Head Master of his old school. The years between had seen two world wars and many changes. He himself had been commissioned in the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry and had postponed his university career till the end of the war.
He began his teaching career at Liverpool College and leit there to become the first Headmaster of the new Wellingborough Grammar School. Later he was Headmaster of Doncaster Grammar School at a time when it was embarked on an extensive building programme. But throughout it all he had preserved his regard and affection for his school and its traditions. When he returned in 1945 he came back to maintain these traditions and doubtless hoped to be able to use his wide experience in the rebuilding of his Old School. He has had more than his share of disappointment since his return but he has met it with fortitude and patience. He has always striven to see that the aim of the founders of the school shall be preserved and that there shall be a path open to any son of Oxford, who will take the opportunity, to the University and the learned professions.
For eighteen years he has given himself heart and soul to the school and the long list of Old Boys who have been able to gain the advantage of a University training during this period is some indication of the debt that they in particular and the school in general owe to him. His sympathy and understanding covered