A GREAT headteacher, leader, father and husband will be remembered by family and friends today at the funeral of Hylton Thomas.

Hylton, 74, who was the headteacher at Wootton Bassett School between 1986 and 2001, will be remembered at Holy Cross Church in Ashton Keynes from 2.30pm.

He died peacefully at home with his family on Friday, October 9, after a fight with cancer.

More than 160 comments have been left on Royal Wootton Bassett Academy’s Facebook page since the news of his death broke.

Jennie Thomas, 70, his wife of more than 40 years, said he would always be remembered as an optimistic, inclusive educator who wanted the best education for all, regardless of background.

“When I have spoken to the teachers who worked with him, you can see his legacy," she said.

"He wanted to school everybody. He placed as much attention and importance to the student struggling as the high achiever.

“He knew everyone deserved the best teaching, regardless of their background or prior achievements.”

Hylton and Jennie met when they were both training to be teachers at Trent Park College, in Middlesex in the 1960s.

After they married they spent time teaching together in Castle Cary, Keynsham and with British Forces children in Germany.

His first headship in England was with Royal Wootton Bassett’s only secondary school.

“We had a wish list of places to live. The biggest wish was wanting a school in a small town, where it was the only secondary school,” said Jennie.

“We wanted it to be the school for all-comers, regardless of ability, he wanted to have a totally comprehensive school.”

Hylton retired in 2001, after playing an important role in the construction of the current academy under a private finance initiative, and he received an OBE for services to education.

One of his finest achievement was leading the school to the best A-level results across the country in 1999.

He remained busy in retirement and began working with Bath Spa University to oversee a Welsh Baccalaureate programme.

George Croxford, the academy’s current headteacher, said: “He was a lovely man and a total professional.

“I have spoken with a number of staff who taught under him and I have never heard anyone say anything bad about him.

“They are all full of praise. He had a huge legacy and has done a phenomenal job here. I was really sad to hear of his passing.

“There was an audible groan around the staff room as I announced it.”

Former pupils have expressed their sadness on Facebook.

Leeanne Fry said: “Oh no, such sad, sad news. He was a great headteacher and excellent at what he did."

“I remember him very well. RIP Mr Thomas, my thoughts go out to your loved ones at this very sad time.”

Matt Davies said: “RIP. Truly a great teacher and a great man, he will be sadly missed.”

Matt Rawlins posted: “Sad news. A great teacher that knew how to be a person too.”

Kate Ginzler said: “Hylton was an amazing leader who quietly inspired and encouraged. A proper head who had genuine care for the school and its community.”

Son Berian, 39, and daughter Anna, 33, said: “He was a most optimistic, wonderful man. We remember him as a great dad and fantastic, loving husband.”

The family has asked for any donations to go to Leckhampton Court Hospice, near Cheltenham.