Darren Nott

Blackheath High is bidding a fond farewell to Mr Nott, who leaves us this term after a huge 24 years at the school.  

Many of you will remember not just his computer skills as our Head of IT, but also his legendary prowess for running ski trips and of course his incredibly calm, approachable and kind presence around the school. 

This moving leaving speech from Head of Computer Science Ms Dickinson really captures his spirit – and brings back memories for many alumnae too! 

For the 12 years I have worked here, Darren has been the quiet hero. His kindness, patience, and unwavering support have touched the lives of countless students and staff alike. Whether it was helping a student with a cracked iPad, giving them a replacement case or stylus, adding print credits, or calmly explaining how to use various programs, Darren has always been there with endless patience. I have never known him to lose that patience or get angry with a student.  

He has been the go-to tech wizard for staff, guiding us through new software, troubleshooting our digital dilemmas, and making sure we never felt left behind. His generosity with his time and knowledge has made a real difference in how we teach and how we connect with our students. Darren has offered support sessions to students during lunchtimes as well as sessions after school. His students love their lessons and Minecraft club and all the opportunities he brings.  

Darren’s impact goes far beyond the classroom. He’s been the mastermind behind some of our most memorable trips - from the thrill of Alton Towers to the adventures in Barcelona, and of course, the legendary ski trips. He has not just organised these experiences; he’s been there every step of the way. On the ski trip at Easter, he sat with an injured student in hospital, making sure she was never alone. He sacrificed all of his skiing time for the welfare of that student. I will never forget going to Alton Towers on a trip Darren organised. Our coaches were suddenly going the wrong way up the M6, we arrived at the hotel and the rooms hadn’t been paid for. So Darren paid from his own money. He would always give from himself and get the money back later. He always felt that staff should never be out of pocket or put out, having given their time for free.  

He cares about everyone, regardless of whether they are children or adults. Staff wellbeing has always been really important to Darren. He pioneered for coffee machines in the staff room and the hot water boiler so we don’t have to fight over two kettles anymore. He bought about 100 Starbucks reuseable cups for staff. He got sprays and cloths in every room in school to clean the whiteboards. He realised that the wellbeing of staff means the wellbeing of students. Every suggestion is for the benefit of all of us and never just for his own. We’re able to buy old iMacs and Macbooks because of Darren’s hard work.  

So many parts of how our lives that have been made better in school are down to Darren. When I started writing this speech, the very first phrase which came to my mind was “You don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone”. 

Outside of school, Darren is a devoted family man. When he does find a moment for himself, he enjoys tennis, squash and golf. He is also a football referee, using his endless patience, tolerance and good humour. 

Darren, your kindness, your calm, and your quiet brilliance will be deeply missed. You’ve left a legacy of compassion, competence, and kindness that will continue to inspire us long after you’ve gone. Thank you for everything. We wish you all the very best in your next chapter - you’ve more than earned it. Thank you for being a wonderful colleague, teacher, and friend. I will be very sad to at last be able to answer that eternal question “Do you know where Mr Nott is?”