In memory of Nicholas Clements, Former Headmaster of Pocklington School
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Nicholas Clements on 10 June 2025, aged 68. A Headmaster of Pocklington School from 2000 to 2007, Nicholas was a dedicated and ambitious leader, who was passionate about educational excellence, and a devoted family man.
A graduate of the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham, and of Magdalene College, Cambridge, Nicholas’ early career was as a REME officer attached first to the Grenadier Guards in Germany and subsequently to the Irish Guards, after which he became a teacher. His first appointment, in 1988, was at Eton College, where he taught mathematics. In 1995, he moved, as Deputy Head, to Wells Cathedral School, before being appointed Headmaster of Pocklington School—his first headship.
From the outset, Nicholas recognised the unique character of Pocklington and sought to both preserve and enhance it, striving for the highest standards in all areas of school life, not least the school’s facilities.
Pocklington thrived under Nicholas’ leadership with many of his ambitions realised. Pupil numbers rose; academic performance was excellent supported by a series of initiatives such as the Allen Society and the Sands essay competition. Nicholas also championed a stream of new facilities which not only met the school's increasing need to modernise but did so with quality and style. Most notably was Fenwick-Smith boarding house which was financed by a benefaction unparalleled in the school's recent history.
In January 2008, Nicholas left Pocklington to become Headmaster of The King’s School, Canterbury, one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the country. From 2010, he undertook two international headships in Dubai and then Washington D.C. During this time, Nicholas and his wife Fenella welcomed their third child, Dominic, born in May 2012, joining siblings Lucinda and Oliver.
Returning to the UK in 2014, Nicholas took on a new challenge as Proprietor and Headmaster of Bronte School and Nursery in Gravesend, Kent. There, he continued his journey in educational leadership, strengthening the school’s governance by establishing an Advisory Board. In 2017, he stepped back from the day-to-day management of the school, appointing a Headmistress while remaining actively involved as the proprietor.
Nicholas Clements will be remembered not only for his visionary leadership and commitment to education, but also for the warmth, respect, and integrity he showed to the school communities he served.
We extend our sympathy to Fenella, Lucinda, Oliver, and Dominic at this sad time.
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