A popular secondary school teacher described as an inspiration by former pupils has died.

Dad-of-two Nick Hayes taught English and film for 22 years at institutions across Kent, including Canterbury grammars Simon Langton Girls and Barton Court.

But the 49-year-old, of Tankerton Road, Whitstable, had long been battling with bipolar, after first being diagnosed with the illness at the age of 25.

He spent two weeks in hospital after suffering a breakdown during a spell of severe stress in 2016, before taking his own life last month.

Paying tribute to his son, Nick’s dad, Philip Hayes, said: “He was an academic and his two children were his life.

“Nick was a man of integrity who always put his family first. He was a caring and kind person.

“We’ve lost someone who was so keen and dedicated to helping youngsters. Recently he left teaching and became a youth worker in Whitstable.

“It’s been overwhelming reading the tributes left for him online.

“Nick lost everything through bipolar. He had been battling it a long time.”

Nick studied film and literature at the University of Warwick before beginning his teaching career in 1995.

His first job in Kent was at the Thomas Aveling School in Rochester, where he led English lessons for three years.

He then spent four years at Maidstone Grammar School, during which he was responsible for launching and running A-level film studies classes.

This preceded a 10-year stint at city grammar Barton Court. There, Nick oversaw the student magazine and led the school’s debating team to the national finals in 2008.

Describing him as “ebullient and dynamic”, a Barton Court spokesman told KentOnline: “Nick Hayes was a much-loved and highly valued member of staff. He was an ebullient and dynamic teacher, whom students held in high regard. He taught with passion and enormous energy.

“He had a lively sense of humour and he was an important part of the social side of the school, organising staff five-a-side football matches – often wearing his beloved Aston Villa top - as well as staff versus students cricket matches.

“Nick’s passing is a tragic loss, and the school would like to extend its deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Nick then worked at Simon Langton Girls between 2013 and 2018.

He ran public speaking events and competitions, while also acting as pastoral leader for Years 7 and 9.

Katy Elliott, a former Langton schoolgirl, said of the teacher: “I spent an awful lot of time sat outside Mr Hayes’s office.

“His humour and kindness was one of the things that got me through.”

Former pupil Emma Miles described him as “a wonderful teacher at Barton Court”.

“You told me to join the debating society and I’ve never stopped debating since,” she added. “Rest easy, you made such an impact on so many.”

"We’ve lost someone who was so keen and dedicated to helping youngsters..."

Simon Langton Girls’ head Paul Pollard said staff and pupils were “saddened and shocked” to learn of Nick’s death.

“The parents of older students will remember Nick as the assistant head teacher for Key Stage 3, a champion of debating, a lover of Aston Villa, and a genuine, delightful man,” he added.

“Students have commented over the past few weeks about how he helped them settle into the school, of his passion for teaching English and film studies and the positive energy he brought to all rooms.

“They have also asked that we celebrate his life to ensure that we do not stigmatise the mental illness Nick so bravely fought against.

“When autumn returns, we will be planting a tree in his memory – a symbol of the life and growth he brought to so many young lives, and a place for us to remember his contribution to the school.”

Meanwhile, a JustGiving page launched by Philip to raise £500 for a memorial bench at Whitstable Youth Club has raised more than £3,700.

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