A FORMER pupil has paid tribute to a Hartford headteacher to whom he owes his law and writing career.

Neil ‘Seth’ Adams, aged 90, died in Derbyshire, leaving a widow, two sons and a daughter.

Neil was well respected within the teaching profession having started off as an English teacher before eventually taking on greater responsibilities.

David Yearsley, former pupil and author, said: “He was a remarkable personal and professional man and a brilliant Headmaster and highly thought of throughout the teaching profession in Cheshire.

“Especially Hartford County Secondary School for Boys in the 1960's early 70's before it went comprehensive and he moved to Staffordshire.

“He was an academic, author, poet and a ‘master’ of the English Language, Speech and Literature subjects. Equally a calm, kind, thoughtful and caring person who was full of wisdom, wit and extremely tolerant of all pupils.

“His skill and commitment as a teacher and his dedication in helping pupils to fulfil their potential illuminated a sparkling career in the field of education spanning 40 years.

For the last 26 years of his career in the profession he was head of secondary schools in Cheshire and Staffordshire.

By all accounts Neil went above and beyond his role as a headmaster during his time in Hartford, he was popular with pupils and parents as his commitment to the role was evident.

David said: “He like his deputy Mr Perry, told us all including our parents that we had been badly let down by the State system at that time, but they would ensure we would get the best education ever even at Secondary modern level.

“That was vindicated when in about 1967 our school including the girls’ secondary opposite achieved more 'O' level passes for that year than the combined three Mid-Cheshire Grammar schools of Winsford Verdin, Sir John Deans and Leftwich Girls Grammar School.”

He was a prolific writer and his various publications featured the management of schools and aspects of local history as well as several collections of verse highlighting his depth and understanding of human nature and the environment.

David Yearsley added: “They don't make them like him anymore. He was an amazing man. So dedicated and loved by many.”