The son of a country parson, Jeremy Tomlinson was brought up to have an interest in church architecture, history, literature and the theatre. He was educated at an old Sussex prep school, Gresham’s School in Norfolk and Selwyn College Cambridge, which turned out to be the ideal preparation for working at Lancing.  

After working in antiques and archives, Jeremy was appointed to teach here in April 1971 and apart from one year doing the Certificate of Education at University College Cardiff, taught English in the same classroom next to Alan Black for 35 years.  

He succeeded Donald Bancroft as Head of Drama, initially using the old stage in Great School, and later introducing GCSE Drama. He devised and, with Rob Bailey, managed the conversion of the old swimming pool into a studio theatre which was opened by Sir Tim Rice in 1984. He feels this is his most important educational contribution to the College and is delighted to have had his portrait taken in the auditorium. Several actors, singers and members of his stage teams are now in the professional theatre and broadcasting.  

Jeremy served in the CCF, led five Italian tours for Sixth Formers, ran the Public Speaking (winning the Observer Mace), edited the College Magazine and published ‘A Portrait of Lancing College’ for the 150th anniversary. He was House Tutor of Head’s, Manor and Field’s and for fifteen years Housemaster of Head’s House. In twelve years as Admissions Registrar, he encouraged coeducation and diversity. 

As Hon Secretary of the Friends and Chapel Steward, Jeremy has overseen the conservation of Lancing Chapel for over forty years and written the guidebooks. During lockdown he pushed through the completion of the West Porch which was dedicated in 2022: a defining moment in the school’s 175 year history.