Former Haverhill headteacher Peter Fletcher who led Clare Primary School and Place Farm Primary School dies aged 81

A former headteacher who endeavoured to give pupils the best start in life has died aged 81.

Peter Fletcher was a well-known figure in primary school education for more than 25 years in the Haverhill area.

Following a deputy headship at Woodhall Primary in Sudbury, he was appointed headteacher of Clare Primary School in 1975 and led Place Farm Primary in Haverhill from 1987 until 2001.

His daughter Helen Howard said: “He was definitely quite an imposing character. He was 6ft and a very big man – physically as well as in other ways. He wanted to always be a teacher from when he was a boy."

One of the most satisfying parts of the job for her father, she said, was seeing pupils who were struggling progress and being a headteacher was a huge part of his identity.

Mr Fletcher led Place Farm through a turbulent period for primary education as the National Curriculum and individual school budgetary control were introduced.

Mrs Howard said: "He was trying to give kids the best start in life."

When he retired from Place Farm, he left on a high as the school had received a 'very good' Ofsted rating.

With an Advanced Diploma in Education and a Master of Arts degree, he continued teaching for several years after his retirement, sharing his experience and acting as headteacher for short periods in several schools including at Lawshall, Lavenham and Rattlesden.

He was also president of the local branch of the National Association of Headteachers while at Place Farm.

Mr Fletcher enjoyed playing golf, the guitar and caravanning in the UK and Europe.

Singing was a big part of his life and he had been a member of the Colchester Boys Choir, singing solo at Westminster Hall which made it onto a vinyl record.

He lived near Bury St Edmunds and spent his final years in Haverhill at Cleves Place Care Home as he suffered from Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

He leaves his widow Valerie, daughters Helen and Abigail and grandson Morgan. His funeral is at West Suffolk Crematorium on November 3 at 3pm.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society at www.justgiving.com/Peter-John-Fletcher