Tributes paid to former Headmaster

It is a great sadness that on 29 September we lost former Headmaster of Taverham Hall Waine Lawton, who led the school from 1989 to 2008. Waine passed away peacefully after a short illness, having moved back to Twyford near Winchester for his retirement.

During his tenure at Taverham Hall, now Langley Prep School, Waine fostered a strong sense of community. Hailing originally from South Africa before moving to the UK, he showed unwavering commitment to his pupils, staff and the school.

“Waine joined when I was in Year 4 and I remember him being a Headmaster who was incredibly firm but fair. He treasured the traditional events like the ‘Ceremony of Carols’ in the Inner Hall and I always remember him on the side of the sports field, encouraging the pupils.” Ed Wood, former pupil and Senior Deputy Head of Langley Prep School.

A naturally gifted sportsman, Waine will be remembered for his love of sport and his support for all the school teams, as well as his leadership during the staff fixtures that saw them touring the county. He was also keen for fancy dress and fully embraced the many staff and parent dinner dances.

“Waine was a fantastic head to work for as he loved the school as much as we did. He backed us all to do our best and was proud of the final product that we produced. Thanks to Waine I am now into my 33rd year at the school and I hope that he would be proud that I am trying to instil the same values that he taught when he was custodian of this wonderful place.” Iain Martin, Interim Head of Sport at Langley Prep School.

Liz, Waine’s wife, played a huge role in life at the school during Waine’s headship, which lasted almost two decades. Together, the couple (pictured above outside Taverham Hall) were involved in prep school teaching for their entire working careers.

“When my parents enrolled me into the Pre-Prep, Waine and Liz welcomed us into the Taverham Hall family with great warmth. We have very fond memories of the barn dances and social events, and I think those formative years under the Lawton leadership gave me a great start in life.” Kim Cleave, nee Lusher, former pupil and Head of Marketing at Langley Prep School.

We are grateful to both Liz and Waine for everything they did here, and we send our warmest wishes and support to the Lawton family.