Tributes have been paid to a school’s first headteacher following his death last week.

Leslie Rose joined The Nobel School in Stevenage in 1961 and served as its headteacher until his departure in 1989. He died on Friday aged 89.

Mr Rose studied history at the University of Cambridge and served in the navy before moving to Knebworth when he took the position.

His wife, Lisa, died in 1985 while she was a teacher at the school. Two new rose gardens will be planted at the school in their memory.

His son Paul Rose said: “He was a man of very high standards and a great believer in everyone’s right to a good education.

“He had a huge influence on many people and I’m sure he will be remembered for the positive effect he had on everyone who was a student during his time.”

Councillor Robin Parker, who represents the Manor ward for Stevenage Borough Council and is a former Nobel student, said: “Under Leslie’s leadership, Nobel was an excellent liberal grammar school in the sixties and he allowed a welcome degree of freedom to the students, and encouraged and supported them to pursue their interests.

“I have many good memories of Leslie Rose and I am proud to have been a student, from 1963 to 1970, during his time in charge of Nobel.”

Mr Rose is survived by his sons Paul and Jeremy, and his daughter Charlotte.