Tributes to former Abington head teacher Roger Simper

A highly-respected former school head has died after a long illness.

Roger Simper, who was head of Wigston's Abington High School for 14 years, died at his home, aged 66.

He was head teacher between 1981 and 1995, with colleagues and friends describing him as "a very popular figure in the local community" who worked tirelessly for young people.

Current school head Alex Green said Mr Simper was "a great head teacher who guided and inspired many teachers and children".

He said: "Roger was also a very talented director of school plays and productions and fully involved himself in helping all children reach their full potential.

"He became the head teacher of Abington in 1981, whereupon the school became a large part of his life.

"He was a man of the greatest integrity and worked tirelessly with total commitment and passion to ensure that all children were successful and received the highest quality education possible."

Mr Simper was born in North Walsham, Norfolk, in 1943 and was educated at primary and secondary schools in the area before studying at and graduating from Peterhouse College, at the University of Cambridge.

He then trained to be a teacher at the London Institute of Education and began his teaching career in Birmingham.

He later moved to Richard Aldworth Comprehensive School, in Basingstoke, Hampshire, as head of maths and later as senior teacher.

Mr Simper established himself nationally as an education expert, working on many Government initiatives, particularly on curriculum organisation and timetabling. His book, Practical Guide to Timetabling, written in 1980, remains the standard text for teachers.

In Leicestershire, he also worked with the local education authority on many issues and was chairman of Leicestershire Secondary Head Teachers' Association for many years.

On his retirement in 1995, he walked across England from the town of his birth to Wallingford, in Oxfordshire, and more recently found a love of gardening at his new home in Whitchurch, Shropshire. He travelled widely both at home and abroad and continued to advise schools in Stoke-on-Trent.

He leaves wife, Susan, and children, Matthew and Becky.

His funeral will be held at 2pm on Saturday, November 7, at the Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch Leisure Centre, Heath Road, Whitchurch.

Family flowers only are requested, but donations can be made to the coronary care unit and Shrewsbury Hospital.

Anyone wishing to attend the funeral should contact Abington High School on 0116 288 1228.

To leave tributes to Mr Simper, visit:

http://lastingtribute.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/tribute/simper/3175155