A head teacher who died has been described as a "wonderful leader" by his school.

Scott Opstad, principal of Paddock Wood Primary Academy died last week aged 48 after falling ill at the school.

The academy has now paid tribute to him and his achievements during a career which spanned 26 years.

Mr Opstad took up his first teaching post in 1994 at a Scottish school. Within five years he was a deputy head teacher and in 2006 he was appointed acting head teacher at Gretna Primary School, in Scotland.

While at Gretna, he joined the British Council on a teaching and learning trip to South America.

This experience spurred him on to complete his postgraduate certificate in educational leadership and management.

After moving to Kent in 2009 he joined Folkestone Primary Academy and then Paddock Wood Primary Academy in 2013.

A 2016 Ofsted inspection said that Mr Opstad had turned the school around since his arrival.

It read: "Your mantras of ‘keep it clear and simple’ for adults and ‘quality, quantity and perseverance’ for pupils have been taken to heart by all, and the quality of teaching and learning have improved."

The school became an academy in 2019 and Mr Opstad was appointed executive principal at Horsmonden Primary Academy for a spell.

The school had previously been inspected in 2011and given a 'good' rating.

In a statement, Paddock Wood Primary Academy said: "For those privileged to know Scott, he built honest relationships with the whole community: children, parents, staff, governors and beyond. These were based on respect, concern and a genuine care for the well-being of all.

'His staff will always feel blessed to have served under his leadership...'

"His naturally calm manner gave everyone peace of mind, knowing that their children were in the safest of hands.

"Leading with authority and presence, Scott was determined to provide the highest quality of teaching and learning for children. "Inspiring all staff to develop an exciting and forward-thinking curriculum, he believed that learning should take place within and beyond the local community; this was even extended where possible, outside our country.

"Real opportunities for all children were important to Scott, and their welfare and development as learners were at the heart of every decision made.

"Held in high-esteem by all who knew him, Scott Opstad will be remembered with affection and true respect by all.

"The community as a whole sends heartfelt condolences to his family at this time and his staff will always feel blessed to have served under his headship."

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