By Sue Crawford

Last updated at 11:54, Saturday, 16 March 2013

Warm tributes have been paid to leading educationalist Sir David Hart following his death from cancer at the age of 72.

Sir David Hart

Sir David, renowned as one of the most prominent and respected voices in education, died in the Eden Valley Hospice in Carlisle on Thursday six months after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

As general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) for 27 years, Sir David was credited with helping to shape the face of modern education.

He lived at Hesket Newmarket with his wife Frankie, a retired headteacher. The couple had been married for 17 years.

After his death Lady Hart described their 20 years together as the “happiest of her life”.

Sir David, a qualified lawyer, had two sons Jeremy and James from a previous marriage, and four grandchildren.

He was awarded the OBE in 1988 then in 2006 received a knighthood for services to education. Known as a fearless and tireless supporter of both teachers and pupils, Sir David retired from the NAHT in 2005.

Russell Hobby, general secretary of the NAHT, said Sir David was an inspiration to all who met him.

“Working with successive National Executives, Sir David effectively created the modern NAHT as a professional, effective voice,” he said.

“He became the public face of school leadership and raised the standing of the profession. At the same time he was a subtle behind-the-scenes campaigner, winning the trust and respect of officials and politicians.”

Jack Hatch, NAHT treasurer, was a close colleague of Sir David’s for many years.

He said: “David was a giant in his time and stood out strongly on the national stage for the profession. He became the voice of school leaders; a true advocate for us on all the issues of the moment in education.

“If something happened in education it would be David’s face that would appear on the screen, or his voice that came over the radio. His comments were always picked up by the press and he became a master of that art form.”

His funeral will be held at Carlisle Crematorium on March 22.

First published at 11:51, Saturday, 16 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk