Tributes paid to popular Hucknall teacher

John Pett taught for 40 years at Hucknall National C of E Primary School, inspiring and educating thousands of pupils in his time.

His legacy lives on with John Pett Award, presented each year to the year six pupil who has made the most significant progress.

In a tribute on the Hucknall Past and Present Facebook page, former school head teacher Kerry Palmer said: “Mr Pett was for thousands of children, parents and grandparents a National institution.

"For 40 years, John Pett was the embodiment of what National is all about, a teacher who loved children and his job – and was so good at it – and for whom time and effort were no object and whose professional expertise and enthusiasm brought pupils’ learning to life, boosting confidence and self-esteem.

"His humour and encouragement in the classroom, particularly for those who struggled a bit – we all have our special memories and reasons to be grateful for knowing John Pett.”

Many others have paid their own tributes to Mr Pett on the Facebook page.

Brian Pickering, a former Dispatch photographer, said: “Taught my daughters and I met him many times when I was in school snapping for the Dispatch.

"Always upbeat and jolly, read this once and seems appropriate – ‘what you leave behind is not engraved in stone but what is woven into the lives of others’. RIP.”

Jayne Ballantyne said: “An exceptional teacher, and a wonderfully caring person.

"What excitement he caused amongst us his students, when we found out that he and the beautiful Miss Wellington were getting married.

"I was so proud to be in the choir that sang at their wedding, I’m 61 now but I remember it like it was yesterday.”

Andy Burton wrote: “My favourite teacher and I’m pretty certain a lot of other people’s too. RIP Mr Pett. Condolences to Jean (also a great teacher) and family.”

April Mikosz posted: “He was a lovely guy so sad, lovely love to all his family at this sad time.”

Tracey Hinton wrote: “So sad, but a great teacher. Fly high Mr Pett.”

And Livvy Shelton simply said: “The best teacher ever. So sad, fly high.”