Michael Hart - (Headmaster of Mill Hill School from 1967-1974)

We are sad to inform you that Michael Hart, Headmaster of Mill Hill School from 1967-1974 died peacefully on 30th October 2023. 

Michael Hart, whose passing at the age of 95 has recently been announced, was a dynamic and prescient European educationalist. Educated in Berlin and Oxford, his early career saw him Head of History and Housemaster at Shrewsbury before succeeding Roy Moore in 1967 as Headmaster of Mill Hill at the age of 39. In his 7 years at the School he showed himself to be a visionary reformist setting in train many policies which made the School face the realities of Britain's contemporary and much-changing society.

His concern was always with the individual, an often controversial approach which led to clear differences of opinion with housemasters, in particular. However, with hindsight, it is possible to say today that Michael's all too brief tenure established critical foundations for the School's future ethos and ongoing achievements.

He went on firstly to become Her Majesty's Inspector, then to lead two European schools in Mol, in Belgium and in Luxembourg. He was awarded a CBE for his work in education. He retired to near Marlborough where he continued teaching for summer schools. It was only comparatively recently that he moved to a local care home where he was visited by a number of Old Millhillians. He remained closely interested in Mill Hill which he enjoyed visiting. He was charming, perceptive, cultured and a witty conversationalist. He inspired a whole generation of pupils and teachers alike with his thoughts on education and the humanism of his European vision.  

Our thoughts are with his family.