I too, have stumbled across this website. I had postings on Friends Reunited - now gone. I was at NMGS from 1958 to 1966 and became the last Head Prefect appointed by Mr. Sibson (I'd understood his name was ROBERT Martyn Sibson). I twice received 'four of the best' from, I believe 'Black Bess'. The second time, I knew it was coming so I took the precaution of wearing 'double underpants'. RMS said 'Bend over', followed by 'Stand u!p' and the demand to know what I had down my pants. 'Underpants, Sir!' I said (filled with dread). His hand went down my pants to check, but he failed to detect my subterfuge. I didn't really feel the four whacks - I was so relieved not to have been found out! I never thought RMS was in any way 'perverted', just a strict disciplinarian, as was permitted in those days. I think he did a great job of raising both sporting and academic standards in the school. People respected him - including the staff. Thousands of boys got to good universities via NMGS, in large part due to his leadership. Most years he got boys into Oxbridge. RMS did marry (a Matron, I believe) and went to Zambia, but it didn't work out and he returned to the UK disappointed. There were many excellent teachers at NMGS (yes, Steve Elam, David 'Shoddy' Thompson transformed my life too - bless him!). I understood that if you'd taught at NMGS it gave your CV some real kudos and helped with career progression. I'm convinced that as a result of attending NMGS as a raw 11-year old and being exposed to about 40 good graduate teachers, my life was changed for ever. I know the subject of Grammar Schools is controversial, but I count myself very lucky to have attended NMGS. For me, those days were happy ones.