THE former headteacher of Salt Grammar School has died, aged 85.

John Richard Forster, who was also the head of a school in Knaresborough, and a champion for youngsters keen to play tennis, died at his home in Calcutt, North Yorkshire.

A former pupil of Ermysted’s Grammar School in Skipton, Mr Forster graduated in English from Cambridge University and taught at schools in Kent and Lancashire before returning to his native Yorkshire.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: John Booth was a lifelong sportsman John Booth was a lifelong sportsman

Prior to becoming headteacher of Salt Grammar School in 1975, Mr Forster taught in Batley, Wakefield and Horsforth.

He became head of King James School in Knaresborough in 1981 and retired from there in 1997.

The 1996 Ofsted Report on King James School said: “For many years the school has enjoyed leadership of considerable distinction. The Headteacher’s vision has an inspirational effect upon the school community which gives him its undivided support.”

As a fundraiser for King James School, Mr Forster started and participated in the Knaresborough 10km Fun Run, which has now become a popular annual charity fundraiser.

After King James, Mr Forster became an Ofsted inspector, a supervisor of teaching practice at Leeds University Department of Education, and was twice called on to become acting head of schools in Yorkshire and London.

He served as deputy chairman and lead governor of the Harrogate and District Hospital Trust where he helped set up the Young Volunteers programme.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: John Forster with his wife, Beryl, son Michael and daughter Sally John Forster with his wife, Beryl, son Michael and daughter Sally

A lifelong sportsman, he worked with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to provide courts for school and community use at King James School. He became the schools’ coordinator of the Yorkshire LTA and chaired its funding committee.

A keen runner, golfer and a life-long Leeds United supporter, he was a season-ticket holder at Elland Road.

He continued to study in retirement, earning an M Ed from Leeds University and a first-class BA in Literature from the Open University.

Mr Forster was the author of several books and wrote poetry, and he encouraged others to do so through the Calcutt Poetry Group and at Ilkley and Harrogate theatres, as well as at Christ Church, Harrogate.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The former Salt Grammar School in the 1970sThe former Salt Grammar School in the 1970s

He is survived by his wife Beryl, daughter Sally, son Michael and grandchildren Anna and James.

John Forster’s funeral will be held at St John the Baptist Church in Knaresborough on Friday, July 22 at 12.30pm.