The principal of a Co Antrim grammar school has been remembered as an inspirational leader who “shaped the lives of so many young people”.
Tom Skelton, who was head teacher at Dalriada School in Ballymoney for 16 years, died at Causeway Hospital on Thursday.
Tributes have been paid the father-of-four, describing him as someone who provided “outstanding leadership” and took a “hands on approach” to education.
In a statement on Friday, Dalriada School said Mr Skelton was “loved by so many in our school community and this will be a challenging time for our staff, pupils and families”.
Brian Dillon, chairman of the board of governors, said throughout his 16 years at the school, Mr Skelton had “worked closely with governors, staff and parents to provide an excellent education for all pupils”.
“Tom, with his energetic enthusiasm, approachable attitude and sense of humour provided outstanding leadership creating a great staff team,” he said.
“He adopted a ‘hands on approach’ putting the pupils first and with a love of education continued weekly teaching throughout his headship.
“He will be very sadly missed by the Dalriada community and by the many organisations he was involved with outside school.”
Ian Walker and Louise Crawford, deputy heads of the school, added that Mr Skelton “lived and breathed Dalriada”.
“He had a pride in the school, always putting the staff and pupils at the centre of everything he did,” they said.
“He was head of our school family, and his humour and unwavering encouragement will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.”
It is with profound regret and sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed Headmaster, colleague and friend Mr...
Posted by Dalriada School on Friday, 9 February 2024
Leo O’Reilly, chairman of the Governing Bodies Association which represents voluntary grammar schools in Northern Ireland, said Mr Skelton was “a dedicated and gifted school leader”.
“A man of great integrity, Tom was well known in Ballymoney and the wider community for his inspirational leadership which shaped the lives of so many young people,” he said.
UUP councillor Darryl Wilson said Mr Skelton was “not only a dedicated educational leader, but also a pillar of strength for the school and its students”.
TUV leader Jim Allister said Mr Skelton “led his school with vigour and vision” and he “fought tenaciously in the interest of every child”.
“He has left an indelible mark in Ballymoney and will be greatly missed and mourned by this and past generations of pupils and parents,” he said.
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said Mr Skelton was “someone of great integrity, fairness and decency”.
“He has left a great legacy, not just in terms of the excellent school that is Dalriada, but in the lives of current and past pupils,” he said.
Mr Skelton is survived by his wife Wilma and children Thomas Jr, Andrew, Emma and Alice and wider family circle.
His funeral is due to take place at First Kilraughts Presbyterian Church on Sunday at 3pm followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard.
