Tributes have been paid to Joe Johnson, former headteacher of Sandhills Community Primary School, who died just two weeks after retiring.

Mr Johnson retired as headteacher from the Oxford school in August after 18 years in charge.

In his time at the school, Mr Johnson oversaw its transformation from a Second World War building, into a new £3.2m hi-tech facility in Terrett Avenue.

Mr Johnson, who was 58, also oversaw the installation of a wind turbine at the school which provides a quarter of its energy needs.

Friends described Mr Johnson as a man passionate about his job and who always put the needs of his pupils before anything else.

City councillor Laurence Baxter, a former pupil of Mr Johnson and a Sandhills’ governor, said: “I knew him very well.

“I remember when he was appointed headteacher of the school when I was in the second year. He was a great teacher.

“His death is so sad. Joe had only just retired and he was one of those guys who planned to do something with his life in his retirement.

“He was such a lovely, enthusiastic guy and I know, for a lot of people, the news of his death has come like a bolt from the blue. Joe will be greatly missed.”

Mr Johnson trained at Culham College, near Abingdon, and his career began at Cholsey Primary School.

He became a headteacher aged 29 at Stadhampton Primary School. After nine years, he moved to Sandhills.

He was also chairman of the National Association for Primary Education and president of the Oxford-shire branch of the National Association of Head Teachers.

He is survived by his wife Sally, son Sam, daughter Poppy, and three grandchildren.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, who knew Mr Johnson for 20 years, described him as “inspirational.”

He said: “He was held in the highest regard and affection by children, ex-pupils and parents.

“He really fought for the welfare of the children and made remarkable achievements pioneering environmental measures at the school.”

Mr Johnson died on September 8, from cancer.

A memorial event was held at Sandhills on the Sunday after his death, where current and former pupils, parents, teachers and governors paid tribute.

Barton and Sandhills councillor Patrick Murray said Mr Johnson’s loss was a blow to the community.

He added: “Even as he neared retirement he had enthusiasm and energy.

“He was such a great guy.”