Thought For The Day – Wednesday 18^th March 2026

On the 18^th March 2019, Mr. Ian Shaw,  former Headteacher of The Bishop’s Stortford High School, passed away from this life.

Much of what you, and we, know today as T.B.S.H.S. was founded, and inspired. by Mr. Shaw, the catalyst for the culture, though, humbly, Mr. Shaw always appreciated, credited, looked after, praised, and thanked others, never himself.  Equally, Mr Shaw always expressed gratitude, and respect, to his predecessors.

Mr. Shaw talked of, and lived, the importance of: ethos; standards;  discipline; judgement; taking responsibility; dedication and service; academia; reading; examination results;  the wider life of the school, including the extra-curricular and educational visits; staff, students, and parents; and looking after family.   “Jobbers Wood” was his vision. A new school site was his dream.

Today, we keep in our thoughts and prayers Mr. Shaw, Mrs. Shaw,  and their family.  Mrs. Shaw, who as vital as Mr. Shaw,  has given much to our new facilities on Beaumont Avenue.

Mr. Reeve enhances the outstanding legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Shaw today.

“Respect, and look to, the past, present, and future.”

One thing Mr. Shaw always ensured students, and staff, who had passed away from this life, and those who were not well, were remembered and respected.  This is something we very much continue today.  Compassion is at the centre of our ethos.

Former students especially, but also staff, who have passed away have, rightly,  the very, very,  highest place in the continuing history of our community.

On Tuesday of next week, in this message and at our Lent and Easter Services at Saint Michael’s Church, we will remember our outstanding former student Will Scutts, who passed away in 2023, three years ago.

Today, on Sixth Form Charities Day, where the whole school are also invited to wear non-uniform for charities,  we remember Caroline Johnstone and Alex Cheer,  who both passed away from this life whilst they were in the Sixth Form of T.B.S.H.S in June 2008 and November 2009.

Very notably, both students, Caroline and Alex,  joined the School in the Sixth Form.   Caroline’s favourite colour was pink. Caroline was known as “Fairy Caz”.  Caroline studied Drama,  German, and English Language. Caroline was planning to read English at Newcastle University. Alex studied Film Studies, Psychology and Philosophy.  Alex was a devoted Army Cadet.  Both students were very greatly loved, at home, at school, and in the community.

In wonderful tribute to Caroline and Alex, sixth form students and staff at that time set up a day with the girls wearing soldiers’ uniforms, remembering Alex, and the boys wearing fairy costumes, remembering Caroline.  This wonderful tradition continues in the Sixth Form today.

Today is a very poignant moment to remember those who have passed away from this life, who we always remember and who we are always inspired by in our lives.

In so doing we ensure standards, and respect, remain the highest, as we pay forward their legacy.