TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved teacher from Kingdown School who died recently aged 53.
Ben Gunstone joined Kingdown School as an English teacher in 2004. Following the news of his death, there has been an outpour of tributes from past and present students, colleagues, and others who knew him.
A spokesperson from the school said, “Ben brought English alive for so many Kingdown students, helping them discover not just literature, but confidence, imagination, and a belief in their own voice.”
During his time at Kingdown, Ben worked as the Head of Lord’s House, as the community link in his role as Assistant Head, and as the school’s army liaison.
“His loss leaves a profound emptiness within the Kingdown School community, where he dedicated more than two decades to teaching, supporting, and uplifting the lives of countless students and staff.
“His dedication to wellbeing was remarkable—he even secured independent funding from the Fudge Trust to provide counselling for some of our most vulnerable students, demonstrating his deep belief in the importance of mental and emotional support.
“As a colleague and friend, Ben was endlessly funny and full of character and good humour. He loved a good general knowledge question, enjoyed raiding his colleagues’ biscuit stashes, and passionately supported Bristol Rovers—often sharing his excitement and heartbreak over their matches with the same enthusiasm he brought to his teaching. Outside school, he was a talented musician and published author – his creative talents were endless. He was also a very caring father to his two devoted girls.
“Ben will be remembered as a gifted teacher, a dedicated mentor, and a truly good man—warm, humorous, principled, and profoundly caring. His influence lives on in the students he inspired, the families he supported, and the colleagues he made smile every single day.
“He will be deeply missed by the Kingdown Community.”
Ben was a lifelong Bristol Rovers supporter and wrote and recorded Tote End Boys, the popular matchday anthem for the club.
His life was honoured with a tribute before the team’s match against Notts County on Saturday 29th November.
