Dr Trevor Hopkins

It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Dr Trevor Hopkins this weekend. Dr Hopkins was Headmaster of Bishop Stopford School from 1976-1998.

We remember Dr Hopkins with great affection. After his retirement, he maintained an avid and active interest in Bishop Stopford School, encouraging those of us who followed him to continue to provide a great education for every young person at our school.

While times have changed significantly, we continue to live out the core values which he established, and we cherish and espouse his passion for comprehensive and inclusive education.

It has been humbling to read the many tributes in the local press and elsewhere to Dr Hopkins, and we include some here in our Newsletter this week.

Let us hold Mrs Hopkins and the family in our prayers and thoughts at this sad time.

Miss Silverthorne

“A great man, an academic and a true Christian whose vision helped to shape Bishop Stopford into the highly achieving school it is today.”

Mr Harwood

“Bishop Stopford School opened in 1965 under Headmaster Pat Partridge. When he retired in 1974 Trevor was appointed Head Teacher and served for 24 years, retiring in 1998. During his tenure, the School became comprehensive, rising from a roll of 500 to 1500 and developing one of the largest, and most successful sixth forms in the area. Trevor’s admirable motto …’Comprehensive at 11, Comprehensive at 16 to 18’ served to create a Christian, all inclusive atmosphere and philosophy.”

Alan Palmer (retired Deputy Head)

“I started teaching at Bishop Stopford School in 1984 and my first experience of Trevor was the night before my interview. On finding the school, I was directed by the caretaker to his house. Trevor invited me in and made me a cup of tea! This summed up the man who I am proud to say provided me with the support, advice, encouragement and guidance that I needed and still use to this day some 39 years later.

He cared about the individual  - not just their career but as a person. He was fair and would support you if he felt you were giving it 100%. Trevor’s encouragement helped me establish Geology as a thriving and popular subject in our sixth form. We shared a genuine love of sport although in later years the decline of his beloved Poppies did not make a happy conversation!

On retirement it was wonderful to see him still actively support the school at numerous events until his health started to fail. I will forever be in his debt for making me the teacher I am today. Christian values, faith, fairness and a genuine love for the students and staff in his care. It was a pleasure to call him my Headteacher.”

Paul Starr (Alumni Lead)

“When I started at BSS in 1976, I was only planning to stay about two years. The reason I stayed many decades was because of the headship and vision of ‘Doc Hop’. He was a very kind and genuine and approachable human being who created a school with high academic achievements, but also a real concern for every student as an individual.

All teachers too were given real support and respect. He brought his Christian beliefs into his every day activities

On a lighter note, Doc Hop loved his food! In the 1970s and 80s boys had lunch in the new hall and girls in the old hall- there were two canteens. On some days, the head was seen eating with the boys at 12.00 and the girls at 12.30!”

Paul Dorran (Retired Director of Sixth Form)