Tributes paid to veteran primary headteacher
A LONG-SERVING headteacher of a Hinckley primary school has died following a short illness.
Brian Barrett served at the helm of Westfield Junior School for 15 years from 1981 to 1996.
He died aged 79 on December 7 after losing the fight against cancer.
Tributes have been paid to the husband and father-of-two who was described by former colleagues as a “forward thinker” who “cared passionately” about every child at his school.
Ex-colleague Gwyneth Cubison, a retired headteacher, said: “Those who have experienced Brian’s headship, both staff and pupils, will feel sadness.
“He gave many teachers the opportunity to take up leadership roles. He provided us with an excellent example of being firm but fair, and he showed us that all the children and staff could have fun and laughter together, while demonstrating the ability to bring back the atmosphere of calm and organisation at the end of very entertaining, enjoyable events.”
Ex-colleague Michael Dix said Mr Barrett influenced the lives of many children and staff during his reign.
He added: “Brian cared passionately about providing the best for the children at the school, both in terms of their education and their wellbeing.
“His philosophy was that children should receive a broad and balanced curriculum that was both stimulating and engaging.
“He also created a great atmosphere at the school, where teachers were encouraged to try out new ideas and to have fun.”
“He was immensely proud of Westfield Junior School and the achievements of both children and staff.”
Mr Barrett had originally aimed to become an engineer, but after completing an apprenticeship with Westland Helicopters, he decided his talents lay elsewhere.
He spent his two years on National Service helping build homes for refugees in Austria and working in hospitals in the UK.
It was while working at University College Hospital in London that he met his future wife Helena, a nurse at the hospital.
They married in 1962 and had two sons and 56 very happy years together.
Through meeting many teachers during his National Service, Mr Barrett embarked on a career change and started training as a teacher in Cheltenham in 1962.
He then taught at a number of schools, starting at Monkscroft Junior School in Cheltenham.
He had a spell in Hong Kong and for a number of years was deputy headteacher at Avenue Junior School in Leicester.
In retirement, Mr Barrett was able to follow his many interests: a passion for jazz, a love of gardens and bird watching – a hobby he enjoyed with his wife and one that took them all over the world on many organised trips.