Tributes to Bingley Grammar teacher Malcolm Ross, described as 'father figure'

Malcolm Ross, of Cottingley, who died in February at the age of 77, had regular reunions for 50 years with members of his first-class of 11-year-olds who joined Bingley Grammar in September 1968.

Malcolm, who was born in Riddlesden in 1944, was a maths teacher at Bingley Grammar for most of his life, joining the school in his 20s and remaining there until his retirement in 1998.

Malcolm Ross, who died at the age of 77

Malcolm’s wife Sandra Ross said: "They were his first class at Bingley Grammar School. He was new to the school and they were new to the school.

"He was a kind and caring person and cared a lot about the children.

"He saw them not just as kids who needed to learn maths but also to have a wider perspective on life.

"He encouraged children to broaden their horizons.

The first ever class taught by Malcolm Ross at Bingley Grammar School

"He ran the chess club but was particularly good at leading the children on residentials. This was a bright green patch in their life.

"There were quite large numbers of people who turned up to the reunions, and these children even bought us presents when we got married.

• Nostalgic photographs of Bingley Grammar School

"We're a very close group," said Pauline Bilevych, one of the 33 members of Malcolm's first class of 1968. "More than 25 of us, including Malcolm, have kept in touch over the years.

"We were his first class and it was his first permanent teaching position.

"He was as much of a new boy as much as we were new kids. Malcolm was our form teacher for over five years.

Former Bingley Grammar School teacher Malcolm Ross

"He was like a father figure to us. He was always there for us.

"None of us would have a bad word to say about him. We loved him dearly.

"We meet every five years because we like to keep in touch.

"One our last anniversary in 2018, it was our 50th and Malcolm organised for us to have a tour around the school. It has changed so much - it's much bigger now.

"He was really good at the school camps in the Lake District," said Pauline.

"He wanted people to get out and enjoy the countryside, not just sit in the classroom.

"Malcolm always threw himself into things at 110 per cent.

"He was very good at guiding us on the right path for life."

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01274 705292.