TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular teacher who died while on a family holiday last week.

Steve Lovegrove, 51,  a head of year and PE teacher at Wanstead High School in Redbridge Lane West, Wanstead, is believed to have died while swimming in the Maldives.

Head teacher of Wanstead High, Chris Van Bussel, said: “I got the news about Steve on Tuesday evening.

“We don’t know all the details, but it seems he died while swimming.

“This is a terrible tragedy which has left everyone associated with the school deeply saddened and shocked.

“The thoughts of everyone go out to Steve’s family, his wife Heather and son James.

“Steve was a fantastic teacher.  A man of great experience and wisdom who was hugely popular with both staff and pupils.

“He really cared about people and as a head of year he was very well respected by the students.

“We are all just totally stunned by this. He will be a huge loss to the school.”

Mr Lovegrove, who lived in Hertfordshire, started teaching in 1980 and had been at Wanstead High since 1990.

Tributes to him from students past and present have been pouring in on Facebook and Twitter.

Former pupil Aaron Drayton tweeted: “Rest in peace Lovegrove, will always be remembered by Wanstead students; true legend.”

Zunaira Raza added: “RIP Mr Lovegrove :( greatest head of year and a lovely man. Tragic news.”

Humza Qazi tweeted: “He’ll be missed by many no doubt about that, a strong character at Wanstead High School. RIP Mr Lovegrove.”

Matt Jarrett wrote: "I was incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of an ex Wanstead teacher. He never taught me but I know he was a legit guy.”

Tributes have also been coming in to the Guardian via email:

"Mr Lovegrove was my head of year, it's going to be so sad going back to school knowing we have to get a new head of year when we all wanted him. He was a great man full of respect we will always miss him." Danny Watts

"Mr Lovegrove was one of the best teachers in the school, he will never ever be forgotten. He was a true inspiration." Marcel Kelly

"Mr Lovegrove was always smiling and its going to be so sad going back in September knowing he wont be around." Becki Watts

"I'm so sad. It won't be the same without him." Megan Bullard

"He taught my son PE at Wanstead school. I just want to say how sorry I am and I am sending my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. It's a complete tragedy for them, the school the kids and the wider community." Gina Querns

"He was my idol as a PE teacher at school. He taught me more than any other teacher and I am deeply saddened by the news." George Pantelli

"He was an amazing teacher and a very kind and warm hearted man! I owe him a lot, he helped me an enormous amount. I shall always be grateful." Juvayriyah Ikram

"He was an amazing teacher, always joking around with us. I will miss him greatly." Hamza Kazmi

"Mr Lovegrove you will never be forgotten all of us wansteaders are thinking of you. Send my heart out to you and your family R.I.P." Emily Redif

Did you know Mr Lovegrove? Would you like to pay tribute to him? Email Dominic Sutton at dsutton@london.newsquest.co.uk or call the newsdesk on 01992 572 285.