Tributes paid after the unexpected death of academy leader

Tributes are being paid to Dave Baker, the “inspirational” leader of the Olympus Academy Trust, who has died unexpectedly at the age of 61.

Dave, a well-known figure in the education and charity sectors throughout the south west, was the chief executive officer at the Multi-Academy Trust, which has nine schools across the Bristol and South Gloucester area.

He founded the Trust 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, the Trust is now responsible for educating more than 6,500 students at primary and secondary schools, employing around 800 staff and is recognised for its schools being at the heart of their communities.

Dave held other roles within the education sector and worked with the Department for Education to support other education leaders in the region and beyond.

He was also a national policy advisor for the Confederation of Schools Trusts, chair of the Board for the Five Counties Teaching School Hubs Alliance, and vice-chair of the South Gloucester Schools Forum. He was a member of the Venturers Trust and advisor to the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust.

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

Sarah Williams, chair of the Olympus Academy Trust Board, commented: “Dave was a remarkable and inspirational leader whose unwavering commitment and passion shaped Olympus into what it is today.

“He guided us through transformative growth, championed collaboration and had a commitment to making a meaningful difference.  Whether in the boardroom or walking the halls in our schools, he led with vision and a contagious passion.

“He never missed a chance to celebrate successes or offer a word of encouragement to learners and staff alike. His legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.

“There will be time for us to celebrate and honour his professional life, and in the meantime, our thoughts and condolences are with Dave’s family and loved ones, and I respectfully ask that they are given the space to grieve and mourn their loss.”

Lucy Livings, Regional Director for the Department for Education, says: “I am so sorry and sad to hear about the passing of Dave. Dave was a very special person – one of a kind – and will be greatly missed by me and my team.

“Dave has given so much to the education system across the South West, well beyond his schools and trust, and leaves a legacy of system partnership that I, and I know many others across the South West, are indebted to him for.

“My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time.”

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