Alan was appointed Headmaster at BL in 1985. It was the culmination of his long and distinguished career as a teacher, particularly in special care schools.

His hands on style didn't always find favour with others, but Dad always acted in what he believed were the best interests of the boys in his care. On a more humorous level, he was regarded as the caretaker and odd job man as well as the Head, as he was often seen carrying out repairs and generally just sorting whatever needed doing, as was his style throughout his life and career.

After his son, Chris tragically died at home at the school in late summer 1990n the stress of that combined with running the school led to Dad taking early retirement in 1994.