‘Deep integrity’: Former headmaster of Prince Alfred College Geoffrey Bretherton Bean AM remembered after death

He was the Headmaster of Prince Alfred College between 1970 and 1987, and is being remembered by school leadership as a man with “deep integrity”.

Prince Alfred College. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE / Emma Brasier

The former Headmaster of Prince Alfred College has been remembered as a “transformative educator” and a man with “deep integrity” by school leadership following his death.

Geoffrey Bretherton Bean AM, was appointed as the seventh Headmaster at Prince Alfred College (PAC) between 1970–1987, at the age of 35, following an international search.

Mr Bean died aged 91 on Saturday.

Geoffrey Bretherton Bean AM.

In a newsletter sent out to the school community, Headmaster David Roberts paid tribute to Mr Bean, who he described as someone who had a “smile for everyone” and a “genuine interest” in the PAC community.

“At just 35, he brought a fresh vision and deep integrity to the role,” Mr Roberts said.

“Arriving in Adelaide from England in January 1970 with his wife Margaret and their three children, he led the college through a period of renewal, emphasising compassion, discipline, and character development.

Mr Bean is survived by his children, Kathryn, Heather and Nigel, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE / Emma Brasier

“We remember him for his humility, his ability to connect with students, and his values-based leadership.”

As one of the most accomplished and influential leaders during his 18-year tenure at PAC, Mr Roberts said the former Headmaster introduced modern systems and operations to manage PAC, as well as developing an endowment fund that now supports students.

He said after Mr Bean’s retirement in 1987, he “remained a devoted supporter of the College”, and in 2018, the Geoffrey Bean Boarding Scholarship was established in his honour, continuing his legacy of care and opportunity.

Mr Bean is survived by his children, Kathryn, Heather and Nigel, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Originally published as ‘Deep integrity’: Former headmaster of Prince Alfred College Geoffrey Bretherton Bean AM remembered after death