Former Treviglas headteacher and choir figure Rob Spowart dies aged 78

Tributes are being paid to a former Newquay headteacher and prominent figure in the town’s musical and community life, who has died aged 78.

Robin “Rob” Spowart passed away on 9 April.

He grew up in Newquay in the 1950s and 1960s and later said it was sport, rather than academics, that shaped his early life. He was a member of Newquay Hornets RFC and part of a Cornwall Schools rugby sevens team, while also taking part in sailing, swimming, fishing, surf lifesaving and gig rowing.

Mr Spowart trained as a teacher in London before beginning his career in 1970 in Kent as head of biology at a boys’ school. In 1978, he returned to Cornwall to become head of science at Penair School, where he also coached rugby and organised ski trips.

In 1984, he was appointed headteacher of the Isles of Scilly School, where he lived with his family for six years. During that time, he was also involved in local music and community groups.

He later became headteacher at Cape Cornwall School in 1990, before moving to Treviglas Community College in 1996.

During his time at Treviglas, the school expanded its sixth form provision and introduced initiatives including a Surf Academy and a Technicians Academy. The school later achieved an “Outstanding” rating from Ofsted.

He also played a wider role in education, becoming chairman of the Cornwall Association of Secondary Headteachers in 1998 and representing colleagues at regional level. He was also involved in establishing Victim Support Cornwall.

Alongside his work in education, Mr Spowart was active in community organisations, including Rotary, where he was a member of the Rotary Club of St Columb and later served as president.

Music formed a significant part of his life. He joined Newquay Male Voice Choir in 1997, following in the footsteps of his father, and later served as chairman. He was also a life member of the Cornish Federation of Male Voice Choirs and a Bard of Gorsedh Kernow.

He was a founder member of the choir’s a cappella group Oll an Gwella in 2009, which went on to raise more than £100,000 for local causes, including support for Cornwall Blood Bikes.

Mr Spowart also helped establish Newquay’s St Piran’s Festival from an idea he put forward just over 10 years ago. The event has grown into a week-long celebration of Cornish culture involving local groups and schools.

His friend and fellow performer Jim Christophers said: “So, farewell to a proud and passionate Cornishman. In many ways Rob was larger than life and he certainly enjoyed life. He led from the front and inspired others in doing so.”

A celebration of life service will take place at St Michael’s Church at 11:00 on Tuesday 28 April.

Read Jim Christophers’ contribution in full here.