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Patrick Scott obituary

My father, Patrick Scott, who has died aged 71 of lymphoma, dedicated his life to improving the life chances of children, first as an English and drama teacher and later as a director of children’s services. A believer in social equality, he spent his career working in schools and local authorities in some of the most deprived parts of the country.

Born in Gillingham, Kent, he was the eldest son of Desmond Scott, a naval officer, and Mary (nee Quarry), a teacher. After attending Eastbourne college, he gained an English literature degree at St John’s College, Cambridge (1971). He did his teacher training at Cambridge University, went to teach at Itchen sixth form college, Southampton, and in the late 1970s moved to Pendleton college, Salford.

He was heavily involved in the National Association for the Teaching of English, through which he met Angel Edwards, also an English teacher, in Southampton. They married in 1980 and I was born two years later. In 1984 he was appointed head of the new Sixth Form Centre in Durham, and we moved as a family.

In 1986 he changed direction, becoming an English and drama adviser for Cleveland county council. Working across Teeside he developed a real affinity and love for the area. In 1996 he became the deputy director for education for Redcar and Cleveland, and then director. He was particularly proud of the authority’s literacy strategy and the provision of free high-quality early years education.

In 2000 he moved to York city council to become director of learning and culture, and then director of children’s services. He was especially gifted at combining vision with practicalities, and was very proud of the high quality of education in York, and the authority’s Beacon status.

Following his retirement in 2007 he worked for 10 years as a freelance consultant, including working with the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services, where he helped develop and support the next generation of leaders. After finishing work as a consultant, he became involved in the Labour party in York, and with Project Mala, a charity supporting education in India. He also led the York Music Hub, improving access to music opportunities for children. It was only his illness over the last year that forced him to slow down.

He is survived by Angel, by me, and his grandchildren, Isobel and Finlay.