'Inspirational' Tributes flow following the shock death of schools boss at 61

FRIENDS and colleagues of an “inspirational” Bristol schools boss have spoken of their shock following his sudden death.

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Dave Baker, the chief executive of the Olympus Academy Trust, was just 61.

Mr Baker, was remembered as a larger than life figure, who was well-known in the education and charity sectors throughout the South West.

He founded Olympus in 2012, with its first school, Bradley Stoke Community School, which he had been instrumental in planning and opening as its first headteacher in 2005. 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, Olympus is now responsible for educating more than 6,500 pupils, and employs around 800 staff.

Outside of education, Mr Baker was chair of the Bristol City Robins Foundation and a referee for the West of England Basketball Association.

His brother Jonny said he had died last week following a heart attack.

“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,” he said. “He was an amazing networker and stayed in touch with so many people - we used to joke about the ridiculous size of his Christmas card list.”