In 1975, at the age of 38 years, Mr Burrell took over the reins as the sixth Headmaster of Union High School and Superintendent of Arthur Kingwill House. Upon arriving at Union High School, Mr Burrell emphasized that the Old Unionite Association, a necessary link with all past pupils, should look wider that Graaff-Reinet’s immediate environs and during his last year a National Executive was formed to realize his vision. Under his leadership, the Union complex, comprising of a lounge, kitchen, refreshment facilities, tennis club house, improved changerooms and a tuckshop was built overlooking the Puttick Field, hence the name the Tony Burrell Union.