Remembering Mr Grant

The Bridgewater School community is deeply saddened by the passing of much-loved former Prep teacher, Mr Julian Grant, who died on Saturday 7th November 2026, a little over a year after retiring from a remarkable twenty-year teaching career at the school.

A familiar and much-cherished presence at Bridgewater from January 2005 until August 2025, Mr Grant was an exceptional teacher, a true scholar and a man of extraordinary interests and talents. For generations of Prep pupils, he will be remembered not only for his passion for science and the natural world, but for his wonderful storytelling, distinctive sense of humour and remarkable ability to inspire curiosity in young minds.

As a teacher in Preps V and VI and Science Coordinator for the department, Mr Grant brought an infectious enthusiasm to his subject. His knowledge extended far beyond the curriculum, and his classroom was a place where questions were encouraged, discoveries celebrated and learning was never confined to the pages of a textbook.

His love of the natural world was equally evident beyond the classroom. From countless Outward Bound residentials to his legendary cross-country runs and nature walks through neighbouring Worsley Woods, Mr Grant encouraged children to explore, observe and appreciate the world around them. His interests were wonderfully varied, encompassing everything from biology and palaeontology to art, music, motorcycling and martial arts. A former zookeeper who had worked with big cats, he had a seemingly endless supply of fascinating stories to share.

When we caught up with Mr Grant following his retirement last year, he spoke with characteristic enthusiasm about what continued to inspire him:

“The staggering diversity of the living world and the ways in which all areas of knowledge are inextricably connected. There is so much to know and understand that there is never a need to stop learning. We are surrounded by discoveries waiting to be made.”

It was a philosophy that shaped his teaching and one he passed on to the many hundreds of children fortunate enough to learn from him.

 

A teacher who made a difference

For all his considerable knowledge and accomplishments, perhaps Mr Grant’s greatest gift was his ability to recognise and nurture the individual strengths of the children in his care.

Following the publication of his retirement interview, former pupils and parents shared heartfelt memories of the difference he had made to their lives.

One parent, Ms Thompson, recalled how Mr Grant had recognised her son Jake’s exceptional ability with large numbers at a time when he had struggled to find confidence in other areas of his education. Now an adult, Jake and his family still remember that moment as one of the most positive experiences of his school years.

“The one time his strengths were focused on and not his struggles,” she wrote.

Another parent, Mrs Fleming, shared her son Leo’s fond memories of a teacher who always seemed to understand him, and whose karate lessons he particularly looked forward to.

These reflections capture something very special about Mr Grant: beyond the lessons he taught and the knowledge he shared, he took the time to understand the children themselves. His influence was often felt in the smallest of moments, but remembered for years afterwards.

 

Helping children find their wings

Mr Grant’s dedication to preparing pupils for the next stage of their education was particularly evident in his work with Prep VI.

At induction evenings for parents, as he spoke about supporting children through their transition to Senior School, he would conclude with a short poem by Christopher Logue, Come to the Edge. Its closing image of children finding the courage to fly beautifully reflected his belief in encouraging young people to challenge themselves, overcome uncertainty and discover what they were capable of achieving.

As Mrs Nairn reflected in her message to parents following his passing, there are an extraordinary number of children whom Mr Grant helped to ‘fly’.

It is a fitting description of a teacher whose influence reached far beyond academic achievement, helping young people develop confidence, independence and a belief in their own abilities.

 

A lasting part of Bridgewater

Mr Grant’s contribution to Bridgewater extended well beyond his classroom. A respected colleague, a familiar face around the school and a man of unmistakable character, he was held in great affection by teaching and support staff alike.

In his retirement interview, he recalled with particular fondness the quiet moments after the school day had ended: putting the kettle on, tidying his classroom and listening to Ry Cooder and the Rolling Stones with the windows open on a sunny Friday afternoon.

It was a wonderfully personal glimpse of the man behind the teacher, and of the happiness he found in the everyday rhythms of school life.

Asked how he would look back on his twenty years in the Prep Department, his answer was characteristically modest:

“As a period of great good fortune: it remains one of the nicest places I have ever worked.”

We know that the fortune was very much ours.

Mr Grant leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the lives of the pupils he taught, the colleagues who worked alongside him and the countless families who will remember him with gratitude and affection.

Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at this very sad time.

Thank you, Mr Grant, for the curiosity you inspired, the confidence you nurtured and the memories you leave behind. You will always be part of Bridgewater.

 

Share your memories

We know that many former pupils, parents and colleagues will have their own special memories of Mr Grant, and we would warmly welcome you to share them.

Whether it is a favourite lesson, a school trip, a memorable story or simply a moment that has stayed with you, we would love to hear how Mr Grant made a difference to your time at Bridgewater.

Please feel welcome to share your memories through our Facebook tribute post, or send your reflections and photographs directly to the school at saundersc@bwslive.co.uk

You can also revisit our interview with Mr Grant published in September 2025, in which he reflected on his teaching career, his many interests and his twenty years at Bridgewater.