03/09/2026
REMEMBERING MR ROBIN LAMPLOUGH | 1940–2026
Some people teach at a school. Others become part of its history.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Robin Lamplough, who dedicated an extraordinary 37 years to Kearsney College, teaching from 1967 until 2003.
During his remarkable career at Kearsney, Mr Lamplough served as Gillingham Assistant Housemaster, Pembroke Housemaster, Head of History, Master in Charge of Prefects and served under four Kearsney headmasters. But perhaps the best measure of a teacher's legacy is not the positions they held, but the memories they leave behind. And Mr Lamplough certainly left plenty.
Known affectionately to many of boys as “Plug”, for his familiar classroom instruction: “Plug the gap, buddy... plug the gap!” Old Boys have also shared his influence and fond memories:
- “One of the reasons I went into the teaching profession (and marked in green ink). Rest in peace, Sir.”
- “A great man, with three upstanding gentlemen as sons. Rob will be missed.”
- “‘Come off the Grass’. What a legend this guy was, easily my favourite teacher at the school. Rest in peace Sir.”
- "A true gentleman.”
Mr Lamplough loved teaching at Kearsney and was involved in countless aspects of College life. He was instrumental in starting the House Play competition and introducing House Colours ties, both of which remain part of Kearsney tradition today.
He ran the Athenian Society and Junior Debating Society for many years and, working with a Standard 5 class, established the Kearsney Local History Unit, which researched and published a paper on the history of Botha’s Hill.
He also had a particular affection for the boys in the lower teams and less academic classes. He enjoyed remarkable winning runs with various U15D and U14C teams, while insisting that sport should properly be called “games”. He famously maintained that E classes produced more millionaires than A classes – and were certainly more fun to teach.
Together with his wife, Jean, who was at his side when he passed away peacefully at home following a short illness, Robin raised their three sons, Miles (Class of 1991), Alan (Class of 1992), and Peter (Class of 1997) in the Kearsney village on the hill. He was also a much-loved grandfather to Mark, Jessica, Matthew and Amy, with Matthew following in the family tradition by matriculating from Kearsney in 2024.
Thirty-seven years is a remarkable contribution to any school. For the generations of boys he taught, coached, encouraged, challenged and entertained, Robin Lamplough was far more than a teacher. He was part of the Kearsney story.
His legacy lives on in the traditions he helped establish, in the memories of thousands of Old Boys, and in the lives of those he inspired – including at least one who went on to become a teacher himself. Our sincere condolences go to the entire Lamplough family.
A Memorial Service will take place on Friday 11 September 2026 at 10h30 at the Pinetown Christadelphian Hall, 45 Glenugie Road, Pinetown and all are welcome.
Rest in peace, Sir.
