Rector of The High School of Glasgow
Born: February 12, 1923;
Died: July 17, 2017
ERIC Harle, who has died aged 94, was a teacher and the first rector of the independent, co-educational High School of Glasgow.
Born in Portsmouth, he was educated at Portsmouth Grammar School, Winchester College and Clare College, Cambridge, where he gained a first-class honours degree in mathematics. He taught for three years at Monmouth School before serving for 21 years as head of mathematics at Wycliffe College, where he oversaw the transition to ‘Modern Maths’ and ran the flourishing Boat Club.
He moved to Glasgow in 1971 to become headmaster of the newly created senior school at Drewsteignton School in Bearsden. In 1973, following Glasgow Corporation’s decision to close The High School of Glasgow and convert The Glasgow High School for Girls into a local comprehensive school, the Glasgow High School Club made an approach to the board of Drewsteignton School proposing a joint venture to ensure the survival of the High School. Eric Harle was involved in the discussions and planning over the next three years which led to the creation of the new, independent, co-educational High School of Glasgow in 1976, on the day after the closure of the old High School. He was appointed as its first rector and served for seven years.
In a challenging, transitional period from the old to the new High School, Eric Harle produced a sound base for the developing new school, and was always supported in this objective and achievement by his loyal wife, Ruth, with whom he arranged several ground–breaking school trips to Europe.
He was at his best when planning complicated, future building arrangements, for then his rigorous, mathematical training came into its own. He was instrumental in the creation of the first buildings at Old Anniesland, to which the senior school moved in 1977, when the junior school remained in Bearsden. During the next few years he produced further detailed plans for future development, and, following the continued, remarkable success of the appeal for funds, saw most of these turned into bricks and mortar before his retiral in 1983.
He also played an important part in bringing together two different traditions: the Christian ethos of Drewsteignton School and the character and traditions of the High School. As time went on, it began to be appreciated how he had laid the important foundation for the development of a special school.
A committed Christian, Eric Harle contributed much to the life of Bearsden Baptist Church and served as its secretary for several years. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by Ruth, with whom he shared almost 67 years of married life, by his three children, Elizabeth, Timothy and Jonathan, as well as six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
ROBIN EASTON
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