TRIBUTES have been paid to the “inspirational” leader of an organisation that runs 11 schools in the region, who has died unexpectedly aged 61.
Dave Baker, who was the chief executive of the Olympus Academy Trust, died suddenly of a heart attack in August, his brother said.
Mr Baker founded the trust in 2012 at Bradley Stoke Community School, which he had been instrumental in planning and opening as its first head teacher, in 2005.
The trust took over Winterbourne Academy, which is attended by hundreds of students from Downend, Emersons Green and Frenchay, from the Ridings’ Federation of Academies in 2018.
It now runs 11 schools, and will add another secondary school when the new Lyde Green Community School opens next September.
In a statement the trust said: “The loss of Dave will be profoundly felt across our entire Olympus family, our sector, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
“Before becoming a school leader, he had been a teacher of several different languages, primarily French and German, in various schools in the Bristol and wider area.
“Under his leadership, the Trust is now responsible for educating more than 6,500 students at primary and secondary schools, employing around 800 staff and is recognised for its schools being at the heart of their communities.”
Dave worked with the Department for Education to support other education leaders and was a national policy advisor for multiple educational groups.
Outside of education, he was chair of the Bristol City Robins Foundation and a referee for the West of England Basketball Association.
Olympus Academy Trust Board chair Sarah Williams said: “Dave was a remarkable and inspirational leader, whose unwavering commitment and passion shaped Olympus into what it is today.
“Whether in the boardroom or walking the halls in our schools, he led with vision and a contagious passion.
“His legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.”
South Gloucestershire Council co-leader and cabinet member for education Ian Boulton said: “Having known Dave for many years, I know how loved and respected he has been, particularly within our education sector.
“Dave will be deeply missed and I will always be grateful for his gentle humour and wise advice.”
Dave’s brother Jonny paid a personal tribute on social media, citing his love of music, basketball, the ocean and surfing, and sudoku puzzles.
Jonny said: “We always said he was born to be a headmaster and, sure enough, he went on to teach and become head of not one but multiple schools as CEO of Olympus Academy Trust in Bristol.
“We are so sorry to lose him what feels like so early.”