THOSE connected with The Ellesmere Port CE College, part of the Frank Field Education Trust, have paid tribute to the Trust’s late founder.

It was announced this morning (Wednesday, April 24) that the former Birkenhead MP Lord Frank Field had died.

A Labour minister and a crossbench peer, Lord Field set up the Frank Field Education Trust, which included both The Ellesmere Port CE College and the Early Life Group, in 2015.

Lord Field passed away in a London care home on Tuesday evening after a long battle with cancer. He was 81.

The acknowledgement of Lord Field’s public and political service followed a career in which he showed support for causes including pensions reform, ending child poverty and stamping out modern slavery.

Principal of Ellesmere Port CE College, Cath Green, said via social media: “Today started with the sad news that Lord Field, the founder of the Frank Field Education Trust had passed away. Frank visited The Ellesmere Port CE College on numerous occasions meeting staff and pupils and was passionate about our journey. Our thoughts are with his family and those closest to him.”

The Ellesmere Port CE College shared a statement from the Frank Field Education Trust, adding: “It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of Lord Frank Field.”

Ellesmere Port MP, Justin Madders also paid tribute to Lord Field.

Mr Madders said: “Very sad news, Frank had a long and distinguished career in Parliament and was very kind and helpful to me as a new neighbouring MP. He was held in such high esteem by his constituents and his colleagues in Parliament & did important work at The Ellesmere Port CE College.”

A statement released by the Frank Field Education Trust read: “It is with huge sadness that we heard about Frank’s passing.

“Throughout his impressive career, Frank gave his life to improving the lives of those around him. His unwavering commitment to social justice not only defined his decades of public service, but is also the foundation stone for so many causes and organisations he was involved in.

“That is why, as the founder of Frank Field Education Trust, our mentor and, above all, our friend, he had such a profound impact on our multi-academy trust and all those who are connect to our schools. Frank’s focus on ensuring that all young people have access to the same educational opportunities is at the heart of everything we do. Chris Hampshire Chair of The Frank Field Education Trust, stated that he will do all he can to ensure Frank’s vision and legacy lives on.”

“Tom Quinn CEO of the Trust said: ‘Frank was a national treasure who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of many people. One of his legacies will be our commitment to improving children’s life chances by ensuring social justice is achieved through excellence in education’.

“Frank’s sharp and insightful intellect, coupled with his warmth, kindness and compassion will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Frank’s family.”