Tributes paid to Sutton Academy teacher Anthony Sykes

Anthony Sykes, who taught science at Sutton Academy for more than 20 years, died on Friday, September 30, aged 51, following an illness.

Away from the classroom, Anthony was known for riding his Harley Davidson and shredding the guitar in his band.

He was also involved with the St Helens District National Education Union (NEU) branch and served as a Labour councillor for Ashton-in-Makerfield ward on Wigan Council since 2018.

In tributes, Anthony has been described as someone who "genuinely cared about people".

Anthony taught science at Sutton Academy (Image: Stock)

Paul Willerton, principal of Sutton Academy, said: "The academy is finding it difficult to come to terms with the loss of Mr Sykes, a teacher here at the academy for 22 years.

"Due to the nature of Anthony's illness, it was news we had been expecting but it has shocked our community.

"Anthony thrived in front of a class, engaging his students in the subject he loved - science.

"Anthony genuinely cared about people. He made an impact on the lives of so many staff and students within our community, we will miss him dearly."

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A long-term member of the NEU, Anthony was elected president of the St Helens District branch and was an active member of the committee supporting members across the borough.

Patrick White, secretary of St Helens NEU, said: "Although a member of our union for many years it was only a few years back that Anthony was drawn to union work-another example of how he wanted to help people.

"He was an excellent union representative at The Sutton Academy, working closely with senior management for the benefit of members and pupils alike.

"It was Anthony's hope that he would take on the role of district and branch secretary in St Helens this year, until the onset of his illness, and without doubt he would have done a fantastic job.

"We have unfortunately lost, far too early, one of our most prominent union members in the area a loss which will be keenly felt by The National Education Union locally and its members."

As a councillor, Anthony was well-known for getting hands on with campaigns and even delivered groceries to people on his motorbike during the Covid lockdowns.

Anthony was described as a very "hands on" councillor (Image: Wigan Council)

Cllr Jenny Bullen, Ashton councillor and friend and neighbour of Anthony's, added: “Anthony was a good friend and colleague. He always had the best interests of Ashton residents at heart. 

“During Covid he delivered medicines and groceries to residents on his Harley Davidson motorbike. Anthony was always first to volunteer on local projects like community litter picking, clearing Millingford Brook, working on Ashton Heath, supporting local sports clubs and the Hamlet at Three Sisters.

“At the Christmas Lights Switch-On, Anthony joined performers on stage with his guitar.”

• Sutton Academy has opened a book of condolences and is inviting staff, students and parents to contribute stories and memories of Anthony. This can be done by emailing tsacondolences@thesuttonacademy.org.uk