Popular former Keighley deputy headteacher and executive principal dies aged 58

Gareth Dawkins was deputy head at the old Greenhead School for five years until 1999.

He then returned to the now University Academy Keighley (UAK), in January 2011, as joint executive principal.

Latterly Mr Dawkins was at the helm of Bradford Academy.

He died yesterday after suffering two major heart attacks while on a break in Suffolk.

UAK principal Bernie Addison said she was "deeply saddened" and shocked at the news.

"Gareth was known to many in the Keighley community," she added.

"He was a man of great integrity and commitment to educational standards in the town."

Nadira Mirza, chairman of the governors at UAK, said the academy's sincere condolences went to the family.

She added: "Gareth was a well-known, wise and valued colleague who will be sorely missed by governors, staff, students and families in Keighley."

Keighley West councillor Adrian Farley, a fellow governor, said he was "absolutely devastated".

"I had known Gareth for several years and his death is a huge loss to the district," he added.

"My thanks go to him for his stewardship of UAK through turbulent times. He brought a sense of measure to the school.

"I'm grateful, as are staff and other governors, for what he did.

"I was actually due to meet Gareth next week.

"UAK is changing sponsors and I was in the process of moving to the governing body at Bradford Academy and was meeting him to finalise details."

Mr Dawkins had worked in schools, many serving inner city communities in Leeds and Bradford, for three decades.

Judith Kirk, Bradford Council’s deputy director for children's services, said he had made a "considerable and positive impact" on the lives of many young people.

"He will be sadly missed as a headteacher and a colleague who always contributed to raising the aspirational achievement of youngsters throughout the district," she added.

"My deepest sympathies are with Gareth's family and friends at this very difficult time."