Prefects

‘A state of chaos naturally exists where law and order do not prevail. To prevent disorder from gaining the upper hand, a number of students are appointed by the Director as prefects.’ Brown and Gold, 1931.

Class prefects at this time were responsible for behaviour during the absence of the teacher and for keeping the keep roll book. Each study and bedroom had a prefect to ensure that everything remained clean and neat, and prefects had the automatic right to the best bed in the room, usually by a window. The head prefect who rang the bells and locked up was often regarded by the younger boys as a tyrant.

By 1950, besides being responsible for the maintenance of good order and proper behaviour, prefects were expected to take an interest in the personal welfare of their fellow students and foster the College spirit. They were to set a good example and had the power to administer punishment for minor offences. In 1962 prefect Brian Schwarz wrote that ‘naturally it is not all smooth running. Occasionally some-one boldly challenges the authority of a prefect and there may be a row followed by an imposition or a job.’

By 1969 the prefect system began to place more emphasis on these office-holders as representatives of the student body. The photo shows the 1970 prefects.