Tributes paid to much-loved former headteacher

A much-loved former Hadfield headteacher who shaped the lives of generations of children has sadly passed away. 

Philip Hughes, who was headteacher at St Charles Primary School for 25 years, is being remembered as a kind, encouraging and forward-thinking teacher whose warmth, infectious laugh and dedication to his pupils made him a familiar and highly respected figure in Glossopdale.  

Philip died on Saturday 15th August 2026, age 85, leaving behind his wife Patricia, daughters Catherine and Christine, sons-in-law, and three grandchildren, aged nine, 20, and 23.  

Born in May 1941, Philip wholeheartedly devoted much of his life to education and the Catholic community.  

Before arriving at St Charles in Hadfield, he had been headteacher at St Philip’s Catholic Primary School in Offerton. He was appointed to the role before the school itself had even been built, taking on the considerable responsibility of appointing all the staff and helping to influence the design of the new school.  

In 1981, Philip was appointed headteacher at St Charles Primary School, now St Charles Catholic Voluntary Academy. A few years later, he and Patricia moved to Simmondley when she became headteacher at Hayfield Primary School.  

Philip remained at the helm of St Charles for 25 years before retiring in 2006 - but his influence on the school, its pupils and the wider community continued long after he left.  

As a testament to his expertise and experience, Philip was asked on two separate occasions during his career to work as an adviser to Derbyshire’s local education authority. On each occasion, he handed responsibility for the day-to-day running of St Charles to his deputy head, Terry Walsh, while spending a full year working in his advisory role.  

He was also asked to become a governor at Gamesley Primary School during a difficult period in its history. Alongside his fellow governors, he helped guide the school through a period of significant improvement and change.  

But it was at St Charles that Philip became particularly well known to generations of local families.  

He was ahead of his time in recognising that education should extend far beyond the classroom, introducing a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities before they became commonplace in primary schools.  

He very much enjoyed being hands-on, coaching pupils and supporting them through football tournaments across the High Peak. He also organised annual adventure trips to White Hall Outdoor Education Centre in Buxton, giving children the chance to learn, grow and discover new experiences.  

Philip also took older pupils to France by ferry and even invited a local French chef into school to help prepare them with some basic language and cultural knowledge – at a time when French was not routinely taught at primary school level.  

He truly understood the importance of giving children a well-rounded education and creating opportunities for them to discover interests and experiences beyond their everyday lives.  

Former pupils have been sharing their memories of Mr Hughes on a Facebook memorial page, recalling his warmth, humour and enthusiasm.  

One former pupil said: “Mr Hughes was always a jolly and encouraging head teacher. He started the Saturday morning Film Club where we used to watch old movies on a big projector screen in the hall while scoffing sweets.  

“He was also ahead of his time with recycling as he’d arrange collection days where we’d get sweets in return for filling up a huge trailer with our used newspapers, which he then sold to raise money for the school.”  

Others have remembered him as “a genuine, lovely man”, “an inspiration and so supportive” and “a highly respected gentleman”.  

Another tribute described Philip as “kind and funny”, adding: “He had a way of making people happy just being around him.”  

His dedication to Catholic education was recognised in a particularly special way at his retirement party.  

Philip was taken by surprise when Father Don, the priest at St Charles, presented him with the Bene Merenti Medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Catholic education.  

The Bene Merenti is an honour bestowed by the Pope and awarded in recognition of exceptional, long-standing and faithful service to the life and mission of the Catholic Church. It is not simply awarded for carrying out the responsibilities of a paid role, but acknowledges exceptional commitment and service that has significantly enriched the lives of others over many years.  

Philip’s dedication to the school he loved was also marked after his retirement, when a classroom was named in his honour. Under his leadership the school was one of the first schools in the High Peak to achieve Investors in People. A plaque in the school library continues to pay tribute to his many years of hard work and the genuine difference he made there.  

Away from education, Philip enjoyed a full and active life.  

He was a keen gardener and a passionate walker, with the Lake District holding a particularly special place in his and Patricia’s hearts. The couple enjoyed many walking holidays there, and Philip amassed a large collection of books about the area.  

In retirement, the couple also enjoyed travelling with friends, taking cruises around Iceland, Greenland and the Mediterranean.  

Philip was also a great lover of music and singing. During his years at St Charles, he regularly led the singing at school assemblies, First Holy Communion celebrations and other church services. After retiring, he and Patricia joined the Glossop-based Zephyr Community Choir, something Philip greatly enjoyed.  

Before that, Philip had been a devoted supporter of Patricia’s own choral adventures. Her singing had taken the couple to cathedrals across Europe, as well as Windsor Castle, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Bridgewater Hall – with Philip, in Patricia’s words, contentedly acting as her “groupie”.  

The devoted couple first met when they were both teaching at St Mary’s Primary School in Marple Bridge. It was Patricia’s first teaching post, while Philip had already been teaching there for two years.  

He also had a lifelong love of motorbikes and cars, having owned a motorbike when he and Patricia first met. For his 60th birthday, his family surprised him with a trip to Brands Hatch motor racing circuit.  

Until the final year of his life, Philip remained active and particularly enjoyed spending time in the garden with his youngest grandchild, playing football and cricket and enjoying games of hide and seek. He took great pleasure and pride in watching his eldest two grandchildren perform locally at the Partington Theatre, Stockport Plaza, Buxton Opera and at their universities. 

His family say that, above all, Philip was someone who was deeply loved by those closest to him and greatly respected by the many children and families whose lives he touched during his years in education.  

His passing has prompted an outpouring of affection from across the community, reflecting the lasting impression left by a headteacher remembered not only for his dedication to education, but for his kindness, humour and special ability to make people feel valued.  

Philip’s funeral will take place at 11:30am on Wednesday 9th September, at St Charles Church in Hadfield (SK13 1PQ).  

Those wishing to share memories and tributes can find the Facebook memorial page by searching ‘In memory of Philip Hughes’.