Staff and pupils mourn loss of much loved headteacher

Staff, students and governors at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Centre for Learning in Whiston are coming to terms with the tragic death of their Principal, Mr Martyn Campbell, after a long and brave battle with illness.

Mr Campbell spent more than three decades at St Edmund’s and was well respected not only by his fellow professionals but also by many of his pupils.

In a recent interview with Educate Magazine, Martyn spoke about how he never aspired to be a teacher but through his negative experience of schools, as well as his brother’s poor education, encouraged him to become a teacher.

Martyn was also outspoken about the social issues that young people face and why the school has a responsibility to support students in all aspects of their lives.

His care and attention to the school community expanded beyond the gates, saying: “The relationship with parents and carers is vital. We are all in this together and we all want our students and children to realise their full potential.

“Seeing young people moving on, becoming successful teenagers then adults and watching them grow and change is the most rewarding aspect of my position”.

John Robson, Chair of Governors, said: “We are all devastated by this tragic news, Mr Campbell had worked in Knowsley since 1977 and joined St Edmund Arrowsmith School in 1984, becoming leader of the school in 2006.

“He was highly respected and popular among both staff and students, governors and the wider community, always willing to help students to achieve their best.

“Mr Campbell was an enthusiastic sportsman in his leisure time, acting as scout for Leicester City Football Club for many years.  So he was particularly delighted when Leicester City were crowned as champions in May of this year.

“Mr Campbell will be missed immensely by staff, students and governors and we feel privileged to have been a part of his life.  We are thinking of his family at this very sad time.

“Today we have spent time together in form groups to reflect on Mr Campbell’s life and pray for him.  Later this week each year group will have special assemblies with Julie, our chaplain, to pray together for Mr Campbell and his family and friends.

“In time, our students will decide how best they would like to remember Mr Campbell in a permanent memorial in our school.”

The full interview with Educate can be read here.