A respectful round of applause greeted the funeral cortège of popular school mentor Alan Parker as it stopped outside City of London Academy, formerly Islington Green School, in Prebend Street on Tuesday.

The entire school – including almost 700 pupils, teachers and teaching assistants – stood quietly in the playground while the catering staff were joined by more than 150 people outside the school.

The large group stood in silent tribute to Mr Parker, who made a positive impact on the lives of so many troubled pupils at the school from 2003 until he was forced to retire last year due to ill health. It was his request that the cortege would stop at the school, allowing him to say goodbye.

The 70-year-old history buff, West Ham fan, horse racing fanatic and fervent bridge player died in the presence of wife Toni, 67, and his four daughters at University College Hospital last month after a brief battle with colon cancer.

A large number of those assembled outside the school joined the procession in the short journey to St James’s Church for the funeral service.

• Keywords
  BUTCHERS, SECONDARY SCHOOLS
• Geographical keyword
  ISLINGTON GREEN
• Persons keyword
  Alan Parker, Islington Green School, City of London Academy Islington