A TEACHER who has been the mainspring at the core of his school for the last 33 years is leaving at the end of term.

Dave Tremain deputy head at The Astor of Hever Community School, Maidstone, has managed to acquire two nicknames during his time at the school – Rocky for his interest in geology, and Trips, for his keeness in taking students on educational visits.

Mr Tremain started at the school in 1974 as second in charge of the humanities department, soon rising to head of department. In 1982, he became senior teacher, and deputy head in 2001.

Students and parents, many of whom were taught by Mr Tremain themselves when they were at the school, described him as “firm but fair.”

Colleagues Jane Rayner, head of special needs at the school, and house leader Phil Brown, described Mr Tremain as always very supportive of staff, students and parents, with the ability to take the sting out of volatile situations and get a positive result.

They added that Mr Tremain was known for his sense of humour. On one occasion on a school trip to France, he and another teacher dressed up as ghosts to scare students who had heard that the place they were staying in was haunted.

Mr Tremain plans to spend his retirement enjoying his hobbies such as swimming, golf and bodyboarding.