Mr Barrott was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a year ago, just weeks after being appointed acting head of the school to see it through the Rother Valley education changes.

He died peacefully at his Chichester home.

Among those paying tribute to the former PE teacher who rose through the ranks to top management was Captain Michael O'Kelly.

As chairman of the MGS governors during 18 months of special measures, which ended in September 2007, Capt O'Kelly worked closely with Mr Barrott, who had day-to-day responsibility for the school under executive headteacher Peter May.

Capt O'Kelly said: "Jon became not only a very good organiser and manager, he showed himself to be an outstanding leader – strict and demanding but very popular and respected by staff and students.

"He worked enormously hard even in the face of a disabling pain which eventually forced him to give up.

"His death is a great tragedy for the Rother Valley, his friends and family and the man himself who has been a terrific influence on a whole generation of young people."

Midhurst Grammar School became the ULT academy Midhurst Rother College last month.

Mr Barrott began his teaching career at MGS in September 1982, as a PE teacher initially on a one-year contract.

In 1991 he was appointed a head of year and in 1994 he joined the senior leadership team. He progressed through the ranks becoming deputy headteacher and finally acting head.

In 2007 his dedication to the young people of the Rother Valley was rewarded when he received an award from the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust in recognition of his work to raise achievement and transform learning.

Mr Barrott was involved with many different sporting activities engaging thousands of students, including football, cricket, tennis and athletics.

For many years he played at centre-half for Midhurst and Easebourne Football Club and in the summer he played cricket for Stirlands, based at Birdham.

When he stopped playing he became involved in coaching youngsters at the club.

Teaching colleagues of Mr Barrott have described him as 'one of those rare people who was universally loved and respected'.

He leaves a wife, Philippa, and two stepsons, Tom and Chris. Funeral details have yet to be announced.


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