ChurchesEducation

Julian Bickersteth lifts standards, on English public school model and earnest Christianity, at St Peter's in Adelaide

Julian Bickersteth lifts standards, on English public school model and earnest Christianity, at St Peter's in Adelaide
Headmaster Julian Bickersteth reinforced the English public school model at St Peter's college in Adelaide (top right: the college's big quad, Jury fountain and classrooms with cloisters) and was a prime mover in getting Adelaide University's St Mark's College (bottom right) at North Adelaide started.

Kenneth Julian Faithfull Bickersteth brought a landmark era to the Anglican Collegiate School of St Peter, Adelaide, as headmaster 1919-33, with leading roles in starting Adelaide University’s St Mark’s College and the first headmasters' conferences for independent schools in Australia. Born in 1885 at at Ripon, Yorkshire, England, the son of an Anglican minister, 

Born in 1885 at at Ripon, Yorkshire, England, the son of an Anglican minister, Bickersteth was educated at Rugby School and Christ Church, Oxford (bachelor of arts 1907; master of arts. 1912). After visiting India and attending Wells Theological College, he was ordained in 1910, and accepted a curacy at Rugby Anglican parish church. The chaplain at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School 1912-15, Bickersteth returned to England to be senior chaplain in the 56th (London) Division in France and Flanders in World War I and was commended for his care of the soldiers. Bickersteth was awarded the Military Cross in 1918 and was twice mentioned in dispatches.

In 1919, Bickersteth  was appointed headmaster of Adelaide’s St Peter’s College, with an English advisory committee recommending him for his impeccable clerical background, public school education, colonial experience, war service, earnest Christianity and “social qualifications … beyond dispute”.

Before Bickersteth arrived in Adelaide in 1920, his help was sought by those wanting to set up an Anglican residential college, based on English models, at the university. Bickersteth joined the university council in 1921 and soon persuaded the Anglican synod to form a committee to plan for a college. When it lapsed, he formed another committee of former members of such colleges and enlisted the support of leading citizens and raised funds. St Mark's College at North Adelaide opened in 1925 and Bickersteth was elected to its council and next year a foundation fellow.

At St Peter's college, Bickersteth built up pupil numbers, especially boarders, and improved academic standards, reflected in excellent public examination results by 1930. Bickersteth also introduced the English house system and compulsory games. He exercised a strong spiritual influence, centred round the chapel, and guided many boys to Anglican ordination. Bickersteth was controversial in his definite and uncompromising churchmanship, leading to some difficulties with the college council, particularly on the question of confession.

Bickersteth organised the first of the headmasters' conferences for the independent schools in Australia.

In 1926 and 1931, Bickersteth visited England, and in 1933 returned there as head of Felsted School, Essex In 1943, Bickersteth became archdeacon of Maidstone and a residentiary canon of Canterbury Cathedral. He came to South Australia in 1948 seeking funds for the cathedral to be restored after World War II. From 1953, he was a chaplain to the Queen and retired in 1958. Two years later ,he visited Adelaide again where he stayed with Anglican Bishop T. T. Reed, an old pupil and friend. At that time, he was made one of the first three honorary fellows of the Australian College of Education.

Bickersteth, a bachelor, died at Canterbury in 1962 while preparing a sermon.

* Information from J. S. C. Miller, "Bickersteth, Kenneth Julian (1885–1962)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University.

Other related ADELAIDE AZ articles

The South Australian state-heritage former hall, used as the first schoolroom for Prince Alfred College in 1869, became the last remnant of 19th Century Methodist headquarters complex, including its "cathedral" church, on Pirie Street, Adelaide city. The hall, used for events and concerts, was owned later by Adelaide city council that took over the Methodist site.
Churches >
Pirie Street hall last of Methodist South Australian complex; first Prince Alfred College schoolroom
READ MORE+
Walkerville's St Andrew's Church had special extra features such as its stained glass windows and its bells.
Suburbs >
St Andrew's Church cherished from 1848 by Adelaide's Walkerville, adding special stained windows and bells
READ MORE+
Future Nobel laureate Professor William Bragg was uniquely, a member of the councils of both Adelaide University and the School of Mines and Industries from 1890.  Image courtesy State Library of South Australia
Education >
William Bragg bridges divide between School of Mines and Adelaide University over shared advanced courses
READ MORE+
Natural Nanotech Pty Ltd, a start-up company based in Adelaide, is researching the environmental possibilities for microscopic particles from halloysite-kaolin clay on Eyre Peninsula.
Education >
Eyre Peninsula's clay nano particles being researched by Adelaide company for global environmental benefits
READ MORE+
Flinders University at Bedford Park was named after British navigator Matthew Flinders, who explored the South Australian coastline in 1802.
Universities >
Flinders University created in 1966 by Labor government to break Adelaide University's tertiary control
READ MORE+
Wine tasting at Roseworthy Agriculture College in the 1930s. In foreground is Ben Chaffey who founded Seaview at McLaren Vale. Behind him to the right is Reg Shipster, who later managed Leo Buring at Tanunda.  Image courtesy South Australian government
Education >
Alan R. Hickinbotham founding force (1936-48) of Roseworthy college oenology course with influential graduates
READ MORE+