Tributes pour in for 'inspirational' school leader

Dave Baker founded a trust that now educates 6,500 pupils

Tributes have poured in for the "remarkable" leader of a multi-academy trust who died suddenly of a heart attack aged 61.

Dave Baker founded the Olympus Academy Trust in 2012, which is now responsible for educating more than 6,500 pupils across South Gloucestershire.

During his time in the education sector, he taught French and German, served as headteacher, advised other school leaders, and sat on the board of several academic trusts and bodies.

Sarah Williams, chairwoman of the Olympus trust, said: "Whether in the boardroom or walking the halls in our schools, he led with vision and a contagious passion."

In a tribute posted on social media, Mr Baker's younger brother Jonny said he was in "shock" at his passing, but was "grateful to have done so much life together".

"We always said he was born to be a headmaster, and sure enough, he went on to teach and become head of not one but multiple schools," he wrote.

"He was an amazing networker and stayed in touch with so many people – we used to joke about the ridiculous size of his Christmas card list."

'One of a kind'

The Olympus trust was founded with Bradley Stoke Community School, north of Bristol. Mr Baker was the school's first headteacher in 2005 and was instrumental in its opening.

He was a national policy adviser for the Confederation of Schools Trusts, chairman of the board for the Five Counties Teaching School Hubs Alliance, and vice-chairman of the South Gloucester Schools Forum.

Mr Baker also worked with the Department for Education to support other education leaders in the region and beyond.

Lucy Livings, regional director for the DfE, described him as a "very special person – one of a kind".

She said: "Dave has given so much to the education system across the South West, well beyond his schools and trust."

Ms Williams added: "Dave was a remarkable and inspirational leader whose unwavering commitment and passion shaped Olympus into what it is today.

"He guided us through transformative growth, championed collaboration and had a commitment to making a meaningful difference.

"His legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come."