THE first headteacher of a north Hampshire secondary school has died aged 103.

Maurice Bound was the headmaster of The Hurst Secondary Modern School, in Baughurst, for 15 years from when it first opened in 1957.

The father-of-four, who lived in Mount Pleasant, Tadley, died on July 27.

Mr Bound was born and grew up in Southampton before moving to Yorkshire aged 24, to work at a school in Skipton.

He decided to follow a career in education after being inspired by his own childhood teachers.

He met his wife, Joan, at an amateur dramatics club while living in Yorkshire, and the couple married in 1939, enjoying 64 years of marriage, until Joan’s death 13 years ago. They had four children – Angela, Michael, Jonathan and Simon.

Mr Bound was involved in the quality control of spitfire engines during World War Two, and also spent time in Egypt working on bomb disposal, but his youngest son Simon described his war time career as “secretive”, adding: “He said ‘I have signed the official secrets act’ so wouldn’t talk about it. He was that sort of man, he was very principled.”

Before becoming headmaster at The Hurst, Mr Bound taught physics at schools in Lincolnshire and Devon.

He left The Hurst in 1972 to become vice-principal of a technical college in Nigeria, before returning to the Tadley area a few years later, where he remained.

Simon said his father enjoyed his career, adding: “He was very well thought of at The Hurst and enjoyed himself in Nigeria. It was a great privilege for him to be the first headteacher at The Hurst.”

Mr Bound led an active life during retirement, enjoying foreign holidays and was treasurer of Roman Silchester Association. He was also involved with his local methodist church.

Simon described his father as “reserved and independent”, adding: “He had great faith which I think got him through the final period. He was very focused in later life. He was determined to get to 100. Earlier this year he said to someone that he would like to live to 105. He was always looking forward to something. That kept him going. He wasn’t going to let anyone tell him how to live his life.”

Tadley borough councillor David Leeks led tributes to Mr Bound, and said: “Mr Bound was my headteacher and he was well respected both at school and in the community. Even at his grand age he could be seen in and around the town. Our thoughts go to his family at this sad time.”

Reverend Dr Ruth Midcalf, minister at Silchester Methodist Church, added: “Maurice’s Christian faith underpinned all he did. He shared his faith in word and deed, not least through his 50 years as a methodist local preacher. He was an active member at Silchester Methodist Church, an inspiration and an encourager, and will be greatly missed.”

Mr Bound leaves behind his four children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at Silchester Methodist Chapel at 12noon, on August 26, on what would have been his wedding anniversary.