FORMER Poole Grammar School headteacher Nigel Gilpin died on May 6, aged 81.

He led the school for 16 years during a time of great success, and combined an unwavering commitment to high standards with strong support for the development of each pupil and member of staff.

Nigel John Gilpin was born in North London in 1933, the only child of Hubert and Vera.

He attended Highgate School during the war years, as his father worked the Arctic Convoys as Merchant Navy skipper of a number of ships.

He sang in the school choir, recording with Sir Malcolm Sargent, and developed a deep love of music which stayed with him throughout his life.

He also excelled in English, which he read at Selwyn College Cambridge, and wrote for the Footlights Revue.

A keen sportsman throughout his life, he represented the school and Selwyn at football and cricket.

Mr Gilpin's particular loves, Arsenal FC and Middlesex CCC, were fostered by regular visits to Highbury and Lords with his father, and cricket teas when keeping wicket and batting for Totteridge led to his meeting with his beloved Janet, whom he married in 1957.

His teaching career began in the English department at Taunton School in 1955.

He was appointed head of English at St Bees School in 1962, before moving to the state sector in the same role at the Crypt School in Gloucester four years later.

Sport continued to play an important role in his life as he set down cricket and took up golf, which at his best he played off a handicap of 2.

After three years as deputy headteacher at Hele’s School in Exeter he was appointed to lead Poole Grammar School in 1972, aged only 38.

Mr Gilpin led the school through a period of strong development and change, as the teaching profession itself changed. He abolished ability set streaming which he believed caused students to feel unmotivated.

He continued to enjoy golf, conveniently living opposite Broadstone Golf Course until 1982, as well as music and theatre, and in 1991 he became chair of the Poole Bench of Magistrates.

After retirement he took a full part in training magistrates locally and nationally. He was honoured to be appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset.

After moving with Janet to Bere Regis in 1982, Mr Gilpin developed a new love of snooker, and they travelled widely enjoying cultural cruises and tours to French vineyards, as well as trips closer to home in Dorset.

He is survived by his wife and two sons, Jeremy and Tim, and his grandsons Matthew and Charlie.

A funeral service was held on May 22.