John Rae

John Rae has been described as one of the most original and influential figures in the independent school world. During his long headmastership of Westminster School, 1970 – 1986, he became the best-known headmaster of his time, partly because he took an independent line on a number of educational issues and partly because he used the media skilfully to put across his ideas. John Rae was elected chairman of the Headmasters’ Conference in 1977.

In a varied and colourful life, John Rae has played rugby for London Scottish, worked in an Indian leprosy village, helped in the making of ‘The Killing Fields’, written, broadcast and appeared on television. When he left Westminster in 1986, he became the first director of the Laura Ashley Foundation. In 1989, he was appointed director of the Portman Group, a body set up by the UK drinks industry to combat alcohol misuse. He has written eleven books, including the bestselling Letters from School and his autobiography, Delusions of Grandeur. His most recent book ‘Letters to Parents’ is an informative and accessible guide to education aimed at parents who wish to ascertain the pros and cons of fee-paying independent schools and their non-fee paying competitors.

John Rae is married and has six children and seven grand children. He lives in Surrey.