ST Ambrose College is to bid a fond farewell to their immensely popular, veteran teacher Frank Azzopardi who, though nearly 70-years of age, says the secret has always been 'to be young at heart.'

Born and educated in Gibraltar at the Sacred Heart Grammar School, a Christian Brothers school, Frank trained with the Royal Navy as an electrical technician, before being sent to the Chatham Training Base in Kent and ultimately studying Physics at London South Bank University.

He taught in Kent, back home in Gibraltar for nine years, then Liverpool before joining the Catholic grammar school in Hale Barns 31 years ago.

A brilliant teacher, he was head of year and published a seminal A Level Physics text book, 'Accessible Physics', which has been a teacher's reference book for two decades and is still used worldwide.

Frank said: “A teacher has to know their stuff, but they must also be incredibly well organised. It's also important to have a sense of humour and to be able to motivate the pupils.”

He continued: “What I have really loved about St. Ambrose and why I have stayed so long is the attitude of the boys. One of the qualities of St Ambrose pupils which has always impressed me, is their caring behaviour towards each other. The stronger, more able, more confident boys look after the more vulnerable and I think that really is a product of the Catholic Christian ethos. I also have to say the vast majority of staff have been simply wonderful, kind, compassionate, professional people and it's been a privilege to be part of such a team.”

A passionate advocate of keep fit and a healthy mind in a healthy body, Frank held weight training sessions for the young men up until two years ago and has also run a popular film club for the past 10 years.

A father of five, with two of his children living in Australia, Frank now intends to spend his retirement fishing, rowing and perhaps writing a novel.

St Ambrose College principal James Keulemans said: “Frank is the archetypal senior professional and has been a much respected and valued member of our school.”