Folkestone Academy Principal John Patterson Dies

Folkestone Academy Principal John Patterson died over the weekend. He had become a well known figure in Folkestone since becoming the Academy's first Principal when it opened its doors in September 2007, and his death was completely unexpected.

John moved to Folkestone having formerly been Headmaster of Bingley Grammar School, a comprehensive school in Yorkshire with 1,950 pupils including 350 in the sixth form. The school was named by Ofsted in its "Best of the Best" list of top 300 secondary schools in the country.

Shepway Lib Dem Group Leader, and Councillor for Folkestone Park Ward in which the Academy is based paid him tribute. Lynne Beaumont said:

"He was a really nice man - the world would be a better place with more John Patterson's in it. The regime he put in place at the Academy encouraged learning and developed his students self-esteem and gave them pride in their school - and themselves.

"The news of his death is devastating, and our sympathies are with all his family and friends, as well as his colleagues and students at the Academy."