23 March 2016

The Trustees of Classics for All (CfA) have appointed Geoffrey de Jager, currently a Trustee, to succeed Nicholas Barber as CfA's next Chairman. The appointment will take effect on 1 July 2016. Nicholas Barber will remain a Trustee.



Geoffrey de Jager is a philanthropist and businessman, based in Oxford. Born in South Africa, he is a graduate of Rhodes University and went on to read Law at Natal University. He migrated to the UK in 1987. After working in the City he started a packaging business, Sharp Interpack, which he grew to become the UK's market leader, before selling the business in 2010. Since then he has immersed himself in a number of charitable ventures, predominantly in the Arts and Sciences. He is an Hon. Fellow of Trinity College, Oxford and was awarded a Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) by Rhodes University in 2012 where he is also a Governor. He is an enthusiastic supporter of CfA and joined the Board during 2015.

Nicholas Barber said “I am delighted Geoffrey de Jager will be CfA's next Chairman. He is a vigorous proselytiser for all things Classical and brings formidable leadership experience. The timing is good. In 2013 when I was invited to chair CfA, I accepted on the understanding that I would do so for no more than 2-3 years. I am proud of what CfA has achieved in that time through stepchanges in the funds raised, in the numbers and enthusiasm of our donors, and above all in the number and variety of schools benefiting from our grants, all underpinned by transformed organisational arrangements. It is now the moment for CfA to raise its sights further and Geoffrey is just the person to lead that. I look forward to continuing on the Board and giving him and CfA all the help I can.”

Geoffrey de Jager said “I am a great admirer of CfA, its principles and its goals, and I am proud to take on the role of Chairman. I believe we can build on Nicholas' significant achievements and continue to create something of real value.”

Grants to schools 2016

In the first tranche of 2016 grants to schools CfA awarded circa £100,000 to 19 proposals to develop Classics teaching in over 90 state schools across the UK; this brings the total number of schools supported by CfA to over 450.

We were particularly pleased to gain inroads in new areas including Durham and Exeter and in Wales, where there are ambitious plans for work in partnership with Swansea University. Strong and growing demand for CfA support from primary schools is also to be welcomed.

Details about the grants awarded will be published in our May 2016 Newsletter, and will include further grants agreed by the Trustees subsequent to the first tranche.

Tom Holland on ‘End of the Roman Empire – a mirror for our times?’

Word is out and tickets are selling for this fundraising talk by Tom Holland on 13 June 2016 at the Royal Society’s Wellcome Trust Lecture Hall - Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG.

We do hope to see you there, and please join us afterwards for wine and nibbles with our Patrons Tom Holland and Bettany Hughes, hosted by our Trustees and event planning group members.

To book tickets (on a sliding scale from £30-£100), visit our Eventbrite booking page. If you have any queries, email events@classicsforall.org.uk.