My friend and colleague Ken Charles, who has died aged 87, was the former headteacher of Greneway school, in Royston, Hertfordshire. He established the middle school in 1969 and was seen as a visionary leader. He inspired generations of children and staff and was highly regarded in education circles for the forward-thinking curriculum, professional development and equal opportunities for all that he extolled.
He was determined to improve people’s life chances through education and sport. In the early 1970s, he recognised the value of taking an age-appropriate approach to the adult game of basketball. He set up and led Mini-Basketball England and was entrusted by FIBA (the Federation of International Basketball Associations) to lead developments in the world game.
The small market town of Royston became synonymous with mini-basketball internationally. His commitment and success was recognised by Basketball England, which made him president emeritus. FIBA awarded Ken its highest honour, the Order of Merit, in 2006, and in 1986 Ken was appointed MBE.
The son of Eva (nee Howell) and Alfred Charles, Ken was born in Pontycymer, Wales, where his father was a miner, but the family moved to London during his childhood. Alfred worked for London Transport during the second world war and Eva ran a greengrocer’s shop in South Harrow. Ken went to Harrow county secondary school and Acton Technical College and, after national service, he trained as a teacher at Borough Road College in Isleworth.
He taught at schools across Greater London before being headhunted for the role at his beloved Greneway, which he led until his retirement in 1995.
Through his charity work with Rotary International, he sought to enrich the lives of many, but especially the young people in his local community.
He is survived by his wife, Di (nee Storrar), whom he married in 1970, his daughter Yvonne, from his first marriage, which ended in divorce, and two granddaughters, Frankie and Charlie. Another daughter, Lorraine, from his first marriage, predeceased him.
