A HIGHLY-respected former Crediton Head Teacher celebrated his 90th birthday with his family around him at Kenwyn Nursing Home in Crediton, where he has lived for the past three years.

John Brown was the Head Teacher of The Shelley School for eight years, having been appointed Deputy Head Teacher of the new Crediton Secondary School in 1962 under the leadership of Mr Oliver Rigby.

The school comprised the Hayward Boys and Girls schools together with their contributory primary schools.

The school quickly developed its own distinctive ethos as a caring and successful community aiming for high standards academically, sporting and socially.

The contributions of all staff were encouraged and there were strong links with parents.

It was then decided to name the school after the former chairman of the County Council and School Governor, Sir John Shelley.

In 1965 Mr Rigby was appointed as Head of The Boys’ Grammar School with the remit to unite the Boys Grammar School and the Girls’ High School and then to establish a comprehensive school by amalgamating with The Shelley School which would become the Lower School of Queen Elizabeth’s School and Community College.

This complex and demanding task of organising a Comprehensive school on two sites had to wait until the raising of the school leaving age was effected.

Mr Brown was then appointed first of all acting Head Teacher of The Shelley School until July 1973.

The eight years as Head of The Shelley School were among the most rewarding for Mr Brown.

At the inauguration of the Comprehensive School, Mr Brown was appointed Associate Head Teacher and Head of the Lower School.

In 1973 Mr Brown was given a sabbatical and completed his educational studies by gaining a B.ED (tons) degree at The University of Exeter School of Education.

Mr Brown spent the last part of his career in the Upper School. He retired in 1988.

He qualified as a teacher after training at Borough Road College, Isleworth, Middlesex and was then assistant teacher at Mount Street Primary School, Plymouth.

His National Service was in the Royal Artillery and he returned to teaching at the same school in 1950.

He then taught at Hyde Park Secondary Modern School, Honicknowle Secondary Modern School and King’s Tamerton Secondary Modern before his arrival at Crediton in 1962.

Family and friends, including his two children, Alison and Paul, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren attended the family celebration held at the nursing home.

His family includes a number of primary and secondary school teachers, a dentist and a doctor.

Some family members travelled from as far as Wales and London to attend.

Mr Brown’s wife, Pat, was unable to attend the celebration on March 9, the day after his birthday, as she had recently had a fall.

His daughter Alison said that his health had greatly improved and he was very happy at the home.

She added that many ex-pupils and former staff call to see him on a regular basis.