Huge outpouring of grief for 'legendary' maths teacher who died suddenly

Mr Clough was hugely popular among pupils, staff and parents.

Pupils and staff at Kettlethorpe High School were shocked at the recent death of maths teacher, Richard Clough, and many are expected to line the route for his upcoming funeral.

Mr Clough, who was in his early 60s, he took ill at the Standbridge Lane school just minutes after being with pupils and died after suffering a heart attack.

He had only started at the school in September but left a lasting impression.

Headteacher Tudor Griffiths said: "He was absolutely brilliant and everybody is just stunned at what has happened.

"He was tremendous from the outset, a highly-experienced teacher who was the toast of the pupils and the staff.

"He was very much a friend and a great teacher.

"The older pupils were really impressed by him, especially those who may not have engaged with maths, he made it exciting for them. They called him a legend.

"He had a sense of fun that pupils remember, and that's a gift.

"Every school needs someone like Richard Clough, bringing vast experience and he made things look easy."

His former school, The Farnley Academy in Leeds, described Mr Clough as an "absolute delight" to watch teaching and his ability to engage pupils was "unrivalled" with his "infectious enthusiasm".

Scores of pupils past and present and parents took to Facebook to pay their respects, with many saying he will be remembered as their favourite teacher.

Samantha Felton said: "This amazing man taught me GCSE maths a decade ago. He improved my grade from an E to a C in nine months.

"Thanks to him I got on the course I wanted and achieved the vocation I had dreamed of."

Lucy Jayne Walker added: "Sad to believe I was only speaking to him hours before his death, he was being his usual self - running around with the kids playing football. He was truly the most caring teacher."

Mr Clough's funeral will be held at Wakefield Crematorium on Wednesday, June 17 at 11.30am.

The funeral cortege will pass the school where pupils and staff will line the kerb to pay their respects.