I was at St Crispin School for my entire education, starting from half-days at Avenue Road Junior school in 1989, right through to my GCSE exams at St Mary Road 2001.
To say Mr Harrild shaped my formative years would be an understatement. He led the school with a calm confidence and unwavering passion to make sure all his pupils left equipped to make their way through life in a way that, at the time, you didn't even know you needed, until later in your life, when these lessons would give you the fortitude to achieve your goals and go forth into the world as a well rounded person. He was a man of great integrity and commanded respect, not just through discipline, but through the love and care he showed to every pupil and staff member.
Reading these Tributes is a testament to the man he was and the way he has shaped so many lives that he cared for over the years. This is a sad loss and the passing of a true educator. One of the few people who didn't want to change you as a person to fit his way of teaching. But he could adapt his teaching to each child's needs. A true Gentleman and a man I respected greatly. The smell of pipe tobacco and linseed oil will forever bring memories of Mr Harrild flooding back.
As students, we all knew when the cricket season had started. Mr Harrild would no longer wear his sharp suits. But the cricket jumper would be a daily sight. In the hot days of summer, every pupil would long for the famous 'Blazer and Ties Off' that he would announce, but it needed to be warm for that to happen.
Rest In Peace, Mr Harriled, you will forever have a place in my and many others hearts.
His saying of "Quite Quiet Boys" Is one I remember with great fondness.
Jonathan Ainsworth 1989-2001 St Crispin's School "Respice-Finem"
Jonathan Ainsworth
18/04/2026