PORT Regis School has paid tribute to “legendary” former headteacher, David Pritchard, who has passed away at the age of 89.

Mr Pritchard worked at the school between 1969 and 1993, making it “one of the best-known and most pre-eminent prep schools in the country”.

Phil Lawrence, who was a pupil at Port Regis and later a teacher, wrote on behalf of the school: “All at Port Regis are greatly saddened to learn of the death of our legendary former headmaster David Prichard at the age of 89.”

He added: “David was utterly child-centred and also inspired tremendous respect and loyalty from his staff.

“Former pupils will no doubt recall his charisma, positivity, energy and enthusiasm as well as his unstinting encouragement and belief in them.

“David was an innovator and a visionary and the slogan he introduced at Port Regis – ‘tomorrow’s school for today’s child’ – reflected the forward-thinking and dynamic school he ran.

“Generations of former pupils from David’s many years as head had a blissfully happy childhood at Port Regis, and countless will have fond memories of DCMP and their time at prep school.”

A Service of Thanksgiving for David’s life is set to be held at Sherborne Abbey on July 12, at 2pm, followed by a reception at Sherborne School.

“We are all eternally grateful to David for the distinctive contribution he made to our school, and it is appropriate that there is a lasting tribute to him at Port Regis with the senior boys’ boarding house, Prichard, which is named after him,” Phil said.