In Memory of Dan Barnett 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our much-loved colleague and friend, Dan Barnett. 

Dan joined Westholme in 2016 as a teacher of PE, but he was so much more than his job title could ever convey. Over the past decade, he became a defining presence within our School, teaching and inspiring pupils of every age, from Prep through to Sixth Form, and contributing immeasurably to the life and spirit of the entire Westholme community. 

Dan brought to everything he did excellent humour, extraordinary patience and boundless kindness. Competitive by nature and passionate about sport, he nevertheless understood that the greatest encouragement was not reserved only for the strongest performers. He believed deeply in every individual, finding ways to build confidence, recognise effort and help each pupil discover what they were capable of achieving. 

His life and teaching were enriched by his experiences of living and working abroad, and he brought that breadth of perspective, curiosity and sense of adventure back to Westholme. He loved leading overseas visits, skiing trips and ambitious expeditions, creating unforgettable experiences for generations of pupils. For Dan, these journeys were never simply about reaching a destination; they were about friendship, resilience, discovery and helping young people to see a wider world. 

Beyond the classroom and sports field, Dan was a peerless Master of Ceremonies at so many of Westholme’s most important occasions. An entertaining raconteur with an instinctive sense of timing, he had the rare ability to command a room, make people laugh and put everyone at ease. His warmth, wit and relentless optimism brought joy and energy to countless School events. 

Dan was also someone to whom pupils, colleagues and parents naturally turned. His listening ear, sound advice and genuine interest in others made him a trusted mentor and friend. He gave generously of his time, his wisdom and himself, often making a profound difference without ever seeking recognition for doing so. 

Deeply loved by pupils, parents, colleagues and former students, Dan will be forever woven into the fabric of Westholme and indelibly etched into our history. He will be remembered for his exceptional service and dedication, his optimism and sense of adventure, his infectious love of life and, above all, the kindness he showed to everyone around him. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan’s family at this unimaginably difficult time, especially his wife, Becca, and his adored daughters, Poppy and Willa.