Obituaries
Jo Greenbury
Last head of Polack’s House at Clifton College who inspired generations of Jewish pupils at the Bristol boarding school
July 2, 2025 15:59
Last head of Polack’s House at Clifton College who inspired generations of Jewish pupils at the Bristol boarding school
July 2, 2025 15:59Jo Greenbury, who has died aged 61, was a teacher and housemaster who transformed the lives of generations of Jewish students at Clifton College’s Polack’s House. Although he was not Jewish, his career was marked by his dedication to Jewish culture and to education, and his unwavering support for his students.
Born the son of Sir Richard Greenbury, the former chief executive and chairman of Marks & Spencer, he attended St Paul’s School before studying theology at Oxford University. Joining Clifton in 1989, he taught religious studies at the Bristol school and was its first head of sixth form, later overseeing university admissions and alumni relations.
In 1995 Jo took on the pivotal role of housemaster of Polack’s House, the school’s house for Jewish pupils. He was only the second housemaster who was not a direct relation of the Polack family. Polack’s held unique significance as the Jewish community’s only remaining boarding house in a private boarding school, having been established at Clifton in 1877.
He assumed his position during a challenging period for the house. It was in a state of disrepair and struggling with low student numbers. Through his tireless efforts, Polack’s House was soon revitalised. His dedication to the students was evident in their achievements. During his tenure, four Polackians were appointed head of school.
But in 2005 Polack’s House closed, due to a shortage of Jewish boarding pupils. At an event to mark the closure, Greenbury said: “It was billed as a celebration and it was a celebration, albeit tinged with considerable sadness. There was much nostalgic conversation and fond memories recalled. Many of the very best Cliftonians have come from Polack’s. As I bolt the doors, I’m sure I will shed a tear.”
He maintained his presence as a guiding force at Clifton College until 2016, when he became director of the Old Cliftonian Society and he remained a prominent figure at the college with strong associations with its students and alumni.
The immense affection and admiration held by students and colleagues for Jo Greenbury was clear from the hundreds of people present at his memorial service in Bristol last week.
Sam Mond, a former student, remembers Greenbury during his four years at Clifton College as being a “father figure” and “one of life’s gentlemen”, adding: “I have nothing but fond memories of him. He very much shaped the person that I became.”
Mond particularly valued Greenbury’s ability to connect with students and impart meaningful pieces of advice, for example: “Never have a knee-jerk reaction to things”. This is advice he tries to follow today. “He had a unique way of drawing me back in, putting my feet on the ground and reminding me of the question ‘What would common sense do?’”
Mond described Jo wife’s Julia as a “mother figure” with the couple always having an “open door” for students and concluded of Jo: “He is somebody I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Rusleen Bass, a former student who came from Ukraine, recalled: “Jo knew how to individually have a relationship with every student. In the whole school, everyone was jealous of Polackians because we had Jo as our housemaster.”
He described Greenbury as “a cool guy,” who “wasn’t snobby” and who had “a unique way of connecting with everyone”.
“I came from Ukraine and didn’t know much English. If it would have been anyone else I don’t think it would have been the same,” he said.
Jesse Romain, another former student, echoed these sentiments, emphasising Jo’s unwavering support for everyone in the house. “He was always patient, wise, willing to listen and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.” Polack’s House felt like “a vibrant and special place”.
James Marshall, a fellow alumnus, said: “He would encourage a kind of closeness within the house and make sure everyone is respected. He would protect you, so you would get the wrath of the punishment from him as opposed to the college.”
Former pupil Antony Kluk fondly remembered Greenbury as a lifelong Manchester United and rugby fan, who coached the 2nd XV as though it were his own professional franchise. Kluk said: “Jo was a staunch believer in the power of togetherness.”
Vladimir Bermant, another former student, reflected: “During our formative teenage years, Jo Greenbury was an all-important father figure, full of warmth and wisdom. Thereafter, he became a role model for a life well lived, in the service of others, and leading by example. Even those of us who, after graduation, saw him rarely carry the fondest memories of Jo in our hearts. Being a Greenbury Polackian is a privilege I and my contemporaries cherish.”
Greenbury’s personal life was intertwined with his dedication to Clifton College. He and Julia had five children, some of whom were born while he was head of Polack’s House. His wife, children and a grand-daughter survive him.
He possessed an extensive knowledge of Judaism and remained committed to supporting the community throughout his life. He will be remembered as a compassionate mentor and an influential figure in the Anglo-Jewish community. As Antony Kluk said: “His legacy deserves a place among the great figures of British Jewry.”
Jo Greenbury: Born December 14 1963, Died June 1, 2025