Flying Bull Academy announces death of ‘special’ headteacher who will ‘be sorely missed by all’

The Flying Bull Academy in Portsmouth has announced the death of headteacher Deamonn Hewett-Dale, who passed away after a short illness unrelated to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A much-loved and respected member of the Portsmouth education community, Mr Hewett-Dale served as headteacher at the Flying Bull Academy for almost 20 years.

More recently, he was an executive leader at the University of Chichester Academy Trust.

Sue Samson MBE, who leads the University of Chichester Academy Trust, said: ‘Deamonn was an exceptional headteacher and a very special man, always seeking the very best for the children in his care and providing support, inspiration and friendship to his colleagues.

‘He has left us all with many happy memories and with a huge legacy of quality provision in a truly inclusive environment both at the Flying Bull Academy and across the trust.

‘The world is a better place because of his input and he will be sorely missed by us all.

‘Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.’

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Parents, friends, and anyone from the Portsmouth community who would like to send a message of condolence or share their memories of Mr Hewett-Dale, to be included in a remembrance book for the family, are asked to email [email protected] rather than post messages on social media or the Academy’s Facebook page.

The Academy will be guided by his family with regard to the funeral and the opportunity for its community to attend and details, once known, will be posted to the Academy’s website.

Flying Bull colleagues will plan a memorial, and will announce details here.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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