Biography

 
Bernard Trafford and his wife Katherine

Dr Bernard Trafford is Headmaster of the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne, a post he has held since September 2008. He was previously head of Wolverhampton Grammar School (1990-2008). He was educated at Downside School in Somerset and then read Music at St Edmund Hall, Oxford. He started teaching music at the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, and moved to become head of department at Wolverhampton Grammar School in 1981, having just married his wife Katherine. In 1987 he became head of sixth form at WGS and, in 1990, became its Head.

Over the years he has been voluntarily involved with several organisations connected with education. He was 2007-9 Chairman of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) and has served on a number of its committees. He was an elected representative for independent schools on the Council of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) (formerly Secondary Heads Association – SHA) 1995-2006, chairing variously its Equal Opportunities and Publications committees; trustee of youngchoirs (now SingUK) 1984-2006 (chair 1998-2006); trustee of the National Schools Symphony Orchestra 1998-2006; trustee of School Councils UK 2004-2009 (chair 2006-9).

In recognition of his educational work to date he was invited in 2009 to join the Livery of the Merchant Taylors’ Company.  He also became a Freeman of the City of London. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Commerce and Manufactures (RSA). 

He regularly speaks and writes on educational themes, particularly focusing on leadership, personal development, democracy, school/student councils and children’s rights.

Bernard started his career as a musician and in his spare time still likes to write, sing and play in a variety of genres, especially playing jazz (he is a trumpeter) with friends. Since his move to the North-East he has been playing with a newly-formed group, HJQ, but doesn’t forget his original band: the Catte Street Rhythm Wreckers date from when he and his friends were at Oxford 35 years ago.

He tries (but usually fails) to keep fit by running and loves walking in the hills of Northumberland where he and Katherine have a cottage. Their two daughters graduated from university in 2007.