John Andrew Claughton (KES 1990–1997)

The KES community was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of John Claughton on 6 April 2026, aged just 47. A former Head of School, outstanding sportsman and natural leader, John embodied so many of the qualities that King Edward’s seeks to nurture in its pupils. His passing is a profound loss to his family, friends and the many people whose lives he touched.

John attended King Edward’s from 1990 to 1997, seven formative years during which he made an exceptional contribution to school life. A gifted all-round sportsman, he captained teams in every year group, culminating in leading the 1st XV rugby team on its memorable tour to Australia in 1996 and captaining the 1st XI cricket team. As an opening batsman, he broke numerous school records, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished cricketers of his generation at KES. His talent also earned him the honour of captaining the England Under-15 schoolboys cricket team.

Yet it was not simply John’s sporting achievements that made him such an exceptional pupil. He was a natural leader, respected by his peers and teachers alike, whose competitive spirit was matched by his warmth, generosity and genuine interest in others. His appointment as Head of School in his final year reflected the esteem in which he was held and the maturity, integrity and sense of responsibility that would come to define him.

John was enormously passionate about his time at King Edward’s and remained deeply grateful for the opportunities the School had given him. The friendships he formed, the values he absorbed and the lessons learned, both in the classroom and on the sports pitches, stayed with him throughout his life.
 

KES provided the springboard for John’s next chapter at Keble College, Oxford, where he read Geography. There, he continued to excel both academically and on the sports field, earning three cricket Blues and captaining the Oxford University cricket team. He also represented the University at rugby and embraced college life with the same enthusiasm and commitment that had characterised his years at KES.

Following Oxford, John embarked on a 25-year career with Procter & Gamble, rising through the organisation to become Vice President of Marketing for Gillette, Venus and Braun in North America. It was a remarkable career, built not only on his considerable talent and drive but also on his ability to inspire people, build enduring relationships and lead with empathy and integrity. In 2025, he took on a new challenge as Chief Marketing and Product Officer at Stokke.

For all his achievements in sport and business, those closest to John knew that his greatest pride was his family. He met his wife, Emma, at Keble College, where they later married, and together they raised their two children, Joshua and Lucie. They built a life across London, Geneva, Gex and Boston, making their home for a time among the mountains on either side of the French-Swiss border. A devoted husband and father, John treasured the time he spent hiking and skiing with his family.

Adventurous, curious and fun-loving, John embraced each new chapter with enthusiasm. In Boston, his lifelong passion for sport found a new outlet in his unwavering support for the city’s teams, which he adopted as his own.
Throughout his life, John retained the warmth, resilience, humility and good humour that had distinguished him as a young Edwardian, along with an instinctive ability to bring out the best in those around him. He believed in listening to others, continuing to learn and investing in the relationships that mattered. Wherever he was in the world, he made time for those he held dear. His enduring friendships, many forged at King Edward’s and maintained across decades and continents, speak volumes about his loyalty and the person he was.
 

Our deepest sympathies go to Emma, Joshua, Lucie and all of John’s family and friends. He will be remembered with enormous affection, admiration and gratitude by the King Edward’s community.