We’re delighted to celebrate one of Pate’s Grammar School’s most distinguished alumni, Geoff Dyer, who attended the school (Cheltenham Grammar School at the time) from 1969 to 1976 before going on to study English at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Geoff is taking part in several events at this year’s Cheltenham Literature Festival and will be discussing his new book, Homework: A Memoir.

Half of the book reflects on his time at Cheltenham Grammar School and the lasting influence the school had on his life and writing. Geoff discusses that everything for him “derived from that huge turning-point of passing the 11-plus and going to that amazing grammar school”

Many of our former pupils will fondly remember – who could not - Mr Bob Beale who was the most influential force in Geoff’s English work at school and featuring largely in ‘Homework’. Mr Chris Beal taught Geoff for 7th term Oxford entrance coaching, remembers him as a student of "intellectual energy, subtlety and grounded originality". "Few students needed less preparation for Oxbridge".   

Geoff’s events at the Literature Festival:

WRESTLING WITH DH LAWRENCE: Friday, October 17, 10.30am

GEOFF DYER: HOMEWORK: Friday, October 17, 4pm

GEOFF DYER PRESENTS… BILLY COLLINS: Saturday, October 18, 4.30pm

CALIFORNIA DREAMING: Saturday, October 18, 7pm

Don’t miss the chance to hear Geoff share stories from his remarkable career and the experiences, solidly rooted in Cheltenham, that shaped him as a writer.