Member's statement: John Lockett OBE

Member's statement by Mr David Brooks on 24 March 2026.

MLA

Mr David Brooks

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

24 March 2026

Type

Member's statement

Business

Members' Statements

Heading

John Lockett OBE

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5462764

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I rise to mark the passing of Mr John Lockett OBE, who was a former principal of Grosvenor Grammar School; indeed, he was the principal during my time at the school. As someone who had health difficulties that disrupted my education, I benefited not only from the environment of academic excellence that he developed at the school but from the care and compassion that was shown to every pupil there. Mr Lockett's career in education was marked by dedication and steady progression. Before arriving at Grosvenor, he taught at Lurgan boys' school, where he rose to become the head of biology. He later moved to Banbridge Academy, taking on the leadership of careers and sixth form. In 1989, he joined Grosvenor as vice principal, and, four years later, in 1993, he became principal, which was a role that he held with distinction for 15 years. Those years were ones of remarkable change at the school. Mr Lockett was a man of vision and determination, guiding the school through significant transformation. One of the most notable milestones during Mr Lockett's leadership was the opening of the Ken Reid science and technology block in 1999, which was a building from which I benefited. That was only the beginning, however. Through his guidance and commitment, Grosvenor evolved into the outstanding campus that we see today at Marina Park. He played a central role in the major development of the school's facilities.

As I said, what made those achievements truly special was that, throughout all that change, Mr Lockett never lost sight of what mattered most: the pupils. He was deeply committed to ensuring that every young person had the opportunity to succeed academically and beyond the classroom, and his passion for the school was evident in everything that he did. The school noted that he gave of his time generously, attended every school event and was a familiar and reassuring presence at Saturday morning sports fixtures. In 2009, Mr Lockett was rightly awarded an OBE in recognition of his exceptional contribution to education. It was a fitting tribute to a career defined by service, leadership and excellence. Even after his retirement, he remained closely connected to Grosvenor and regularly attended carol services, prize distributions, sporting events and, most recently, the 80th anniversary gala dinner; indeed, I last met him at the Ulster Hall at a concert to celebrate that milestone. Beyond his school life, the school says, he had a great love of travel, particularly railway journeys, and was a dedicated member of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland. Mr Lockett will be remembered for his enthusiasm, sharp wit and wisdom. Above all, he was a true gentleman whose legacy lives on in the school and in the many lives that he influenced. Many of us owe him a great debt. He will be greatly missed.

473 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:15 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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