Derek Akers, who was headmaster at the school for 20 years passed away in his sleep on Tuesday (August 29) at the age of 91, having lost his wife, Pat Akers, just weeks before his death.

He was the head of the school, off Placehouse Lane, from 1968 until it closed in 1988, overseeing three name changes as the high school, which was originally called Purley County Grammar School, became Purley Grammar School for Boys in 1969 and then Purley High School for Boys in 1973.

Nick Peaty, who was one of Mr Akers' pupils between 1966 and 1973, described him as a "firm but fair" teacher who "taught students life lessons as well as leading them in the classroom".

A simple family cremation service with anyone else who would like to join the family.
Monday 18th September
Hastings crematorium at 2.45 pm

However, the main event is the service of Remembrance & celebration of Derek's life, at:
Christ's Chapel -,Dulwich College at 2pm
Tuesday 19th September

Followed by refreshment in the Dulwich Pavilion, in the grounds of Dulwich picture gallery, adjacent to the Chapel.

It would be helpful to the family is you could let me know if you intend going so they can get an idea of the numbers involved