Cricket-loving school head was an 'absolute legend'

Staff and former pupils from a school in Leicester have paid tribute to a former head teacher describing him as an "absolute legend" with a "wonderful sense of humour".

The family of Mike Ross, who also attended Granby Primary School as a pupil, told the BBC he died peacefully in hospital in March at the age of 86.

The school's current head teacher Dale Cross, who had met him in recent years, said he was a "big character" who would be remembered with "much fondness and great respect" by many generations of pupils and their families.

Mr Ross's wife Carole, 67, said she was overwhelmed with all the "heartwarming" messages and was touched he had made "such an impact on people's lives".

Mr Ross was a pupil at the school, in Aylestone Road, between 1943 and 1951 before returning as head teacher from 1981 until 1995.

Mr Cross said the school was previously two separate Victorian schools dating back to 1889, and it was Mr Ross who had united the infant and junior schools when he returned.

He thanked Mr Ross "for your service, sir", adding he will "never be forgotten".

Sarah Brazier teaches at the school but was a pupil during Mr Ross's time as head teacher, and recalled being excited to be sent to his office for a "head teacher's reward".

"He was keen to see us achieve and would always take the time for us," she said.

"He would make us feel special and important, and he knew everyone's name.

"At break time, he was there watching us play. He was very enthusiastic and super keen."

The 50-year-old, who has been teaching at the school for 28 years, said she returned after Mr Ross became a supply teacher.

"I loved school because of my teachers," she said. "They were inspirational and Mr Ross played a part in that.

"I remember saying to him when I left that I wanted to be a teacher.

"When I came back, I said to him 'I did it', and he gave me a massive hug."

Fellow teacher Tracy Cosgrove said Mr Ross was "well liked and respected" and had been "encouraging and supportive" during the years they worked together at the school.

"At the start of every school year he would write a letter to each teacher," she said.

"It was touching because it was very personal."

The school's Facebook page has seen many former pupils paying tribute to the cricket-loving school leader.

Daniel Nice wrote: "Not sure where to start really, but Mr Ross was one of my biggest influences in cricket, where I still work today.

"He made sure we had good facilities and got us doing sport whenever he could.

"Still saw him at Grace Road [Leicestershire's home ground] until recently where he still spoke fondly of the school and said he was proud of what I'd achieved, which meant a lot."

Jacqui Johnson commented she had "many fantastic memories" of going to the school while Mr Ross in charge and described him as "an absolute legend".

"So kind, considerate, supportive and inclusive," she said. "He really did have a wonderful sense of humour."

Andy Langham added: "Sad news. I still have very fond memories of primary school to this day because of this man. RIP Mr Ross."

Mrs Ross, from Wigston, said she was touched by all the tributes.

"They've all grown up and they've remembered him, they've not forgotten Mike," she said.

"It's overwhelming and very heartwarming."

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