Farewell to former Blackpool head

Pupils, parents and governors were also in attendance for the funeral of Robert Karling, 55, who died following a battle with cancer.

Mr Karling, former headteacher of King Edward VII and Queen Mary School – now known as AKS– was headteacher between 2003 and 2012.

The service, which was held at Clydebank crematorium on June 4, was well attended and included representatives from his other schools including King William’s School, Isle of Man, Ipswich School, and Morrison’s Academy, Crieff; as well as all the staff from his present school, Kelvinside Academy.

Mr Karling had planned and written his own service, which included the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling, which he had read at school assembly during his time at King Edward VII and Queen Mary School.

Many tributes were paid to him as a kind, caring, dignified and inspirational man who knew all his pupils as individuals.

The KEQMS flag was flown at half-mast as a tribute to the former headteacher and there was a book of condolence in the senior school reception, which is available until the end of term for all pupils, former pupils, staff and friends to sign.