MARTIN BACONA headteacher who transformed his school into the best state secondary in Cambridgeshire died today aged 46.Martin Bacon, the principal of Swavesey Village College, passed away this morning after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in July last year.The father-of-two, who had so much time for his pupils he would chat with them over a cup of tea in his office, oversaw the school's meteoric rise to be ranked in the top 3 per cent of all schools in England.His peers said although he achieved incredible things, he refused to take personal credit - preferring to praise his students and staff instead.Mark Woods, executive principal of Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust, which runs Swavesey, The Manor School in Cambridge and Nene Park Academy in Peterborough, announced the sad news to parents today.He said: "Martin Bacon was a headteacher and principal who had the distinction of rebuilding, literally and metaphorically Swavesey Village College, Nene Park Academy and had started the process of change at the Manor School, Cambridge."Leading his team he was instrumental in establishing the vision that led to the securing of the new secondary school build scheduled for Northstowe. All these schools benefited from his tireless drive, enthusiasm and leadership."He added: "Even after his condition took its terrible toll he continued to bring the same energy and enthusiasm to every aspect of his life, illustrated in March this year when he managed to complete the Swavesey 5 mile run."It is typical that the "back pain" he lightly referred to on his Just Giving Page (http://www.justgivi ng.com/Martin-Bacon1) , was in fact a serious spinal tumour."Throughout his struggle his monumental positivity and determination remain a lasting example of his humanity."Mr Bacon, a former teacher at Longsands College, St Neots, passed away at the Sue Ryder Hospice in Peterborough and is survived by his wife Kathleen, and children, Jess and Josh.
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