04.02.2024
We are very sad about the loss of a dear friend and partner. Brendan Wignall, who was Headmaster of Ellesmere College for 27 years, passed away last week. Ellesmere College published the following:
Brendan dedicated himself to Ellesmere and its students. He adapted to changing times with a fortitude that is so much at the heart of being an Ellesmerian. During his tenure a new Lower School building was erected, boarding houses expanded, and the International Baccalaureate introduced, the development of a range of sports academies and sports facilities grew: a new sports hall, tennis barn, Astro turf, and a roof over the swimming pool. On the Arts front the College secured the Arts Council Platinum Arts Award. Brendan was committed to sport and an enthusiastic follower of Liverpool Football Club.
As a champion of the creative arts, Brendan changed the landscape around the school by adding sculptures and artwork for all to see. He developed a great enthusiasm for the beauty of stained glass, taking pleasure each day from an installation fitted along the cloisters. This installation was solely funded by leavers’ gifts and energetically directed by Brendan. His interest in stained glass work grew and he went on to develop his own skills to tremendous effect.
Brendan reached out to spread the Ellesmere message further, fulfilling a long-held ambition to see an Ellesmere School overseas, when Ellesmere Muscat in Oman was opened in January 2024 and he set plans in motion for others in the pipeline. He was closely involved with local charities in addition to being the Chairman of the Council of Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils (CreSTeD), and of the North West Academies Trust, and the Treasurer of the Headmasters’ Conference (HMC).
We miss him dearly.
