Thomas Ernest Jones was the third Headmaster of the new Hitchin Boys' Grammar School in 1926. During his time canings were regular, detention automatic for lateness during the General Strike or any other time, and staff regularly carpeted, who left in small droves in the early years of Jones's rule. His motto was "Good manners, good work, good games". Later in his school career it is said he showed a caring side of himself, looking after all students and encouraging them in all endeavours. His staff, however, claimed never to see much of this Headmaster, and even when they did he was often strict and disparaging. He and his wife claimed the top of the School House for themselves, and this was where they stayed for most of their lives outside school. Quiet and lonely, Mrs. Jones died in 1949, but even after this the Headmaster still welcomed the visits of the Old Boys, interested in their social and professional lives.