TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'towering but modest' headteacher who turned around the fortunes of a Slough school - inspiring thousands of pupils on the path to success.

Former The Westgate School headteacher Roger Thomas died at his home in Wales on Saturday, aged 61.

He retired from his role at the Cippenham Lane school just last year, after joining in 1997.

He turned the school from barely satisfactory to rated as outstanding by Ofsted.

Darren Nicholas, Head Teacher of The Westgate, said: “The whole school is in mourning today.

“Roger was a larger than life character and the impact he had on the school and the thousands of pupils who came through the doors while he was the head is immeasurable.

“His impact, work and vision were what made The Westgate the school it is today – an outstanding institution where pupils thrive – and for this we all thank him.

“Despite his towering presence he was a modest man whose sole motivation was to make a lasting difference to the lives of young people. He did this and more. May he rest in peace.” When Roger took over The Westgate in 1997 just 18 percent of pupils gained five or more GCSEs grades A-C; in 2013 this had gone up to a staggering 95 percent.

He also oversaw the opening of the new sixth form and an almost doubling of the pupil population at the school.

In 2012, Roger was nominated for, and won the Pearson Lifetime Achievement Award for the South East.

In the application for the award, one former pupil noted: “Throughout my time at the Westgate school Mr Thomas was like a father figure, his office door was always open but more impressively he was visible on a day to day basis.

“I still to this day find it amazing that he knew what grade you got in a homework exercise and would query you about it as he passed you in the hall way.

“His real achievements are the ones that go unnoticed, how he is an authoritarian figure, but one that we all respect and love and how he helps us develop into the adults we are today.” The award recognition also stated: “Roger has had a major positive impact upon the lives of all those who enter The Westgate School; students who failed their 11 plus but leave at 18 to attend Cambridge University; students who have severe physical impairments who are now studying at Brunel University; parents who discount the area’s grammar schools to send their child to Roger Thomas’ School; high standing business people who tirelessly support and attend awards evening or title dignitaries who attend our school and write what a wonderful school it is in our visitors book - Roger Thomas inspires all.” Robin Crofts, Slough Borough Council’s head of education, said: “Roger’s impact on The Westgate and schooling in Slough as a whole will never be forgotten; he was one of our greatest ambassadors.

“He was an immense personality who commanded considerable respect and who showed tireless dedication in helping young people achieve their aspirations.” “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the school, his family and friends.” Chief Executive of Slough Borough Council, Ruth Bagley, added: “Roger was a robust advocate of his school and his pupils.

“Always constructive, he had a vision for the school and its population and he was dedicated and committed to seeing that vision become a reality.” Roger leaves a wife – who also worked at The Westgate as Head of English until her retirement last year – two children and two grandchildren.