THE founding principal of one of the country's first city technology colleges has died, aged 59.

Peter Shackleton welcomed the first 225 pupils to Derby's Landau Forte College in September 1992.

Immediately, he found himself at the centre of controversy because teaching unions objected to city technology colleges being created and using business sponsorship and Government money.

But despite other city schools refusing to play Landau pupils at sport, the college flourished under Mr Shackleton's leadership until he left in 1997.

During his time at the college, Mr Shackleton oversaw a 93% A-level pass rate in 1996, in the same year that it had a full contingent of pupils for the first time.

Current principal Stephen Whiteley, who worked under Mr Shackleton, said that it was his passion that helped to establish the college.

Mr Whiteley said: "It's easy to forget how challenging it was for Pete to establish the school at that time. But he believed in it passionately and in many ways he was ahead of his time.

"The ethos of the college is his legacy and he still was a staunch supporter even after he left."

Mr Shackleton was a frequent visitor to the college in recent years and as recently as a few weeks ago called in to visit Mr Whiteley and talk through education issues.

Two of his children – Martin and Katy – were students in the sixth form at one stage.

Mr Shackleton, who lived in Allestree, courted more controversy after he left Landau when, as a lifelong fan, he launched a £12m bid to take over Burnley Football Club in 1998.

It appeared that he did not have the finance or backing to carry the bid through, despite being chosen as the preferred bidder by the then board.

Mr Shackleton, who died from cancer, is survived by his widow, Sue, and children Martin, Laura and Katy.

His daughters, who have been moved by the support they have received as a family from Macmillan Cancer, have launched a bid to raise £15,000 for the charity.

A private cremation took place yesterday and was followed by a memorial service for former friends, pupils and colleagues at the college, in Fox Street.

Mr Whiteley said he hoped to be able to establish a student award in Mr Shackleton's name.

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