A SCHOOL community has been left in shock after the sudden death of its deputy head.

Martin Goldberg, 46, taught maths at Thorpe Hall School in Wakering Road, Southend, for 23 years.

He was found with serious wounds at a house Dalwood, in Shoebury, last Wednesday, but despite the efforts of paramedics he could not be saved.

Police have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with his death.

Thorpe Hall headteacher, Peter Hampton, said: “The whole Thorpe Hall School community has been shocked and saddened by the news of the death of Martin Goldberg.

He was a man who was our much loved teacher, colleague, deputy head and for many of us, our friend.

“His death has come as a massive shock to us. It was completely out of the blue.”

Mr Goldberg joined the school in September 1991 and made it his mission to make sure the school had the latest computer technology.

Mr Hampton said: “It was Mr Goldberg who guided our decision to introduce the use of iPads, another challenging and game-changing innovation which will enhance teaching and learning at the school for many years to come.

“Like me, he understood the vital importance of constantly looking for ways to engage the pupils at Thorpe Hall in every aspect of school life, getting the most from every lesson on every day.

“It’s a cutting edge school and he was a cutting edge guy. I worked with Martin for seven years. He was an immensely positive guy. He was an ideal deputy and I couldn’t have asked for better.”

The school is planning an event to celebrate Mr Goldberg’s life in the coming weeks In a eulogy delivered to the school, Mr Hampton said: “Mr Goldberg was a fantastic maths teacher who inspired countless young Thorpe Hallians over the last 23 years to strive to do their best and achieve amazing things. His dedication to this school was limitless and the extra activities he started, organised and ran formed an extraordinary list of the most popular and enjoyable things pupils do at the school.

“In many extraordinary ways, Mr Goldberg’s talent as a teacher was unique and for that reason he cannot be replaced and he will be sorely missed. But one thing he had in common with all our staff here, was his belief that every pupil deserved respect, and time and love spent on them.

He never tired of guiding, cajoling and helping; he never gave up on any child no matter how tiresome or lost or truculent.

“Mr Goldberg’s life lay at the heart of Thorpe Hall School and we will always remember him, his humour, his energy and his warmth.