DONALD Shepherd, who was headmaster of Wootton Bassett School (now Royal Wootton Bassett Academy) from 1968-1986, has died a few weeks before his 91st birthday.

He is remembered by very many people for his outstanding contribution to local education and to the lives of all his pupils.

Mr Shepherd was appointed ten years after the school was opened under the pioneering headship of Mr Frank King.

He was notable for laying the foundations for the school’s transition from secondary modern to comprehensive, which was achieved in 1972. Mr Shepherd reorganised the structure, with tutor groups, Lower School, Upper School and Sixth Form, each with its own head and team of teachers. He encouraged pupils’ academic, social and personal development and involved local families in the PTA, which was reinforced by House PTAs.

Mr Shepherd promoted good discipline, academic success and achievement in sporting and other activities including dance, drama and choral events.

He instigated and directed many spectacular pantomimes that provided splendid entertainment for the local community and involved all the children, including those who were less academically able, in staging hugely ambitious productions. He had the ability to make every child feel important and valued. He challenged and inspired pupils and staff to achieve their full potential.

He insisted that education must extend beyond the classroom, and he encouraged pupils in projects to benefit others, including local elderly or socially disadvantaged people.

Speech Days, school fetes and inter-house swimming galas were all important community events that were valued by townspeople.

Mr Shepherd had an enviable ability to remember pupils’ names. Even long after retirement to Cumbria, he happened to meet the parents of three ex-pupils, and enquired about each, by name.

He is survived by his wife (a former careers advisor at the school) and their daughter Alison.