Tribute to Andrew Batten

It is with deep sadness that we have to inform you that Andrew Batten, teacher of English at Chelsea Academy, passed away over the summer holidays. Andy was a much loved member of the English department and enjoyed working at Chelsea Academy very much. Students and staff both valued his calm and unflappable character. He had a wealth of experience, both in teaching and life. He also loved his subject and students benefitted greatly from this. Andy possessed a sharp intellect and an encyclopaedic knowledge of English literature (in addition to sci-fi and music) and yet combined this with a wonderfully modest manner. He regularly shared his vast knowledge and skills, giving support to colleagues on a daily basis; he…

It is with deep sadness that we have to inform you that Andrew Batten, teacher of English at Chelsea Academy, passed away over the summer holidays.

Andy was a much loved member of the English department and enjoyed working at Chelsea Academy very much. Students and staff both valued his calm and unflappable character. He had a wealth of experience, both in teaching and life. He also loved his subject and students benefitted greatly from this. Andy possessed a sharp intellect and an encyclopaedic knowledge of English literature (in addition to sci-fi and music) and yet combined this with a wonderfully modest manner. He regularly shared his vast knowledge and skills, giving support to colleagues on a daily basis; he was incredibly generous in this regard, coming across not as someone who had all the answers but as someone who loved his subject and teaching, and wanted to share that with others.

Despite the pressures and demands of the job, he was always ready to greet others with a smile and ask how their day was, and would always have time for his colleagues and students should they need to find him after school and get his help. We will miss his quick wit, intellect and the kindness he displayed everyday. He will be greatly missed here at the Academy and our thoughts and prayers are with his close friends and family. A number of our staff attended his funeral over the summer holidays and the Academy will have a book of condolence at student services for the students to write their tributes in. This is a tragic loss to our community and we will pull together to remember Andrew for the brilliant man and teacher that he was.