Death of ‘inspiring’ head

10:22am Thursday 15th March 2007

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THE former head teacher of St Faith's CE Primary School in St Cross has died, aged 54.

John Preston, who was head teacher from 1992 to 2005, died at the Countess Mountbatten House in Southampton last Friday after suffering from cancer.

Paul Dugdale, chairman of governors at St Faith's, said Mr Preston had an "exceptional impact" on the rounded development of all pupils who passed through the school and added: "The great volume of support during his illness from so many former pupils is a testimony to the great impact he had on them."

Mr Preston trained as a teacher at King Alfred's College, where he met his wife, Julia. He went on to teach in a number of schools in Hampshire and was deputy head teacher at Romsey Abbey before going on to St Faith's.

When he joined St Faith's the school consisted of the original compact Victorian schoolhouse, two leaky pre-fabricated buildings and an old caravan for a staff room. He had a clear vision about the future of the school and the building underwent colossal change during his time there, with two separate and substantial building projects.

When he retired in October 2005, due to ill health, he left a new school building with five modern classrooms, excellent facilities, small class sizes and a first class OFSTED assessment with outstanding academic success, his former colleague said.

Mr Dugdale added: "He was a man of deep Christian conviction, an inspiring yet gentle head teacher dedicated to teaching within a supportive Christian environment.

Outside work, Mr Preston had a passion for music and drama. Staff at St Faiths said he was an excellent guitarist and an active participator in live music, performing in his highly regarded band, The Woodsiders.

He was an active member of the Southampton Operatic Society and was most in his element when he combined his talents to produce some outstanding musical productions at St Faith's.

He was diagnosed with terminal cancer in October 2005 while he was still head teacher at St Faiths. Colleagues said he faced his illness with loving concern for his family but with no fear or complaint for himself.

He is survived by his wife, Julia, and their two sons, John and David. His funeral will be held at Romsey Abbey on Saturday, at 2pm, followed by burial at St John's, Rownhams.