Deacon's

Barny Bury was appointed HM of Deacon’s House from September 2018, following 7 years as Assistant Housemaster in Windsor’s House. Barny is married to Christina, who is the Director of Learning at Felsted Prep School. Barny’s son, Luke, was in Deacon’s himself and is currently studying at Exeter University. His daughter, Elise, is a current pupil at Felsted.

Barny was educated at Chatham House Grammar School, Ramsgate - where he captained the 1st XV, played 1st XI Hockey, 1st XI Cricket and represented the school U18 Athletics team as a decathlete. Following this, Barny completed his teacher training degree in Physical Education and History at St. Luke’s College, Exeter University.

Barny has always had a passion for sport, trialling for England rugby at U16, U18 and U21 levels as well as playing professional rugby for Barking. He has passed this passion onto several generations of athletes, not only in rugby but hockey, cricket, basketball and volleyball as well. During his time at Havering 6st Form College, Barny successfully coached the men’s and women’s volleyball teams to eight national finals, producing two Olympians in the process.

Outside of the classroom and his sporting commitments, Barny is an avid reader, in particular anything that feeds his inner ‘History Geek’. Having also spent some time teaching in France, Barny relishes leading the Senior School ski trip as it offers the opportunity to indulge both his love of skiing and French culture.

Jean Jarred was appointed as Matron of Deacon’s House in September 2018, having already spent 4 years in the house as Madge’s most able lieutenant. She has taken on one of the most difficult jobs there must be - keeping 66 boys washed, clean and organised every day! In addition, Jean and her team of domestic angels provide daily snacks, drinks as well as cleaning every single boy’s room every day!

Somehow, Jean manages all of this, yet is always there for a friendly chat or hug whenever somebody is feeling down. She cares for every boy in the house like a parent away from home. There is truly no-one as caring and approachable as Jean.

Old Felstedian Owen Thomas has worked within boarding houses across a number of roles. Prior to joining the teaching staff at Felsted he was a member of the Felsted Summer School senior management team as Sports and Social Manager as well as working with the Quarantine and Holiday courses at Felsted during the pandemic. 

A keen Geographer, Owen especially enjoys teaching outside the classroom on the various field trips each year. This continues in his co-curricular role within Duke of Edinburgh, training students ready for Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions. He extends these trips in his own time, traveling around Europe and seeing what Geography each location has to offer. 

In his spare time, sports plays a big role for Owen, who plays for Braintree 1st XI Hockey Team and enjoys Golf on weekends. He also coaches Hockey and Tennis at Felsted.