Our Headteacher remembers former Head of Art, Dave Durston

This week our school community mourns the loss of former teacher, artist and friend, Dave Durston.

Dave started his teaching in Westwoods and then joined The Cotswold School when we began in 1988. He was our Head of Art for over 20 years. He was an integral part of the school, helping establish the ethos and culture that lives on today.

I remember Dave from my very first day at The Cotswold School. As I waited in the staff room for interview, he was sat in the corner with his great moustache, talking in his booming voice to Dave Kennedy, Keith Daniels and Tomo about rugby, cricket, football and then a little about school.

He was a wonderful teacher who, as well as taking independent learning to new levels (I once turned up to observe an Art lesson and he was in the cricket nets), he really did know and care about the children under his watch.  We have received many messages from former pupils and parents that reflect this, now with so many in successful careers that he inspired them to achieve.

We also remember Dave as an artist in his own right (I write this while looking at a picture he did for me on his retirement); as a cricketer (constantly competing with Keith Daniels for the top scores from the weekend); a joker (anyone who was there will never forget his Amy Winehouse performance for Comic Relief) and as a family man – he often popped into school in his retirement and it was with such pride that he kept us informed of how everyone was doing.

Through the sadness, we all have so many positive memories of a great man and these give us strength in these saddest of times.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue, Naomi, his family and friends.

Will Morgan
The Cotswold School