94 of the best teachers past and present from Merseyside schools

The new academic year is almost upon us and we all have a favourite teacher that we still remember from our school days. Some are remembered for teaching Merseyside kids decades ago, whereas others have worked across the generations.

As the new school year starts, tonnes of newly-qualified teachers will be starting their careers in new classrooms for the first time. And sadly some of our much-loved teachers have now passed away - like Gogglebox stars Leon and June Bernicoff, who taught generations of kids in Merseyside schools -but they live on in our memories and have left behind an incredible legacy in our region.

Ahead of September, we asked ECHO readers for their favourites past and present. Responses flooded in and we put together a list of just 94 teachers from across Merseyside and messages from their former pupils

We weren't able to include every single teacher, but we did our best to name those who seem to have made a particular impact on those who commented. We apologise in advance for any spelling mistakes to teachers' names or lack of details about specific schools, we've included them based on how they were referred to in comments.

This list isn't intended to be comprehensive and we've mentioned teachers from primary school up to A-levels and specialist educational facilities. You may remember one or two from our list below.

94. Norman Dennis

Tommy E Westwell said: "Norman Dennis best teacher ever, the only one who made me stop and think about things when I wasn’t interested. Got me into history and photography, don’t know what would have happened if it wasn’t for him, people talk about wayward kids, I was beyond that, so thanks for your patience and everything you taught me Mr D."

93. Mrs Haddon

Deborah Aitch said: "My first teacher Mrs Haddon at Netherton Moss Primary. I was a very shy child and the youngest in the year and she was like a mother to me.

"I used to go back and see her after I left school, when I was at university, when I got my first teaching job. She worked at St Oswald's for a bit then retired."

92. Pete Frazer

Freda Turner said: "I went to Highfield Comp from 1969 and the most inspirational teacher was Pete Frazer - went on to become Head of West Derby Comp."

91. Mrs June Simm

Elaine Alison Lomax said: "Mrs June Simm, Fazakerley Comprehensive School. Best RE teacher ever.

"I got A levels because of her encouragement support and amazing ability to transmit information in a fun interesting way. 1973 to 1981. I am 62 now. Thank you June. Xx"

90. Mr. Casement

Wing Li said: "Mr. Casement, taught science at Dingle Vale Secondary Boys School in late 1960’s. Fresh out of college, he was passionate, compassionate and refused to give the cane, as a lot of the other teachers did.

"He’s the reason I pursued science went to university and successfully studied for a PhD in Chemistry. I went on to teach Chemistry and I tried to use the good things I noticed and learned from him. Not bad for a lad from the Dingle!!!"

89. Mr Whitehead

Sarah Shackleton said: "I went to Prenton High School and left in 95. Mr Whitehead was definitely my most inspirational teacher. He listened, spent time with each student and filled us with confidence."

88 and 87. Mr and Mrs Waring and 86. Mrs Morgan

Claire Best said: "I went to Mosscroft Primary school in Huyton from 1979 onwards and Mr Waring the headmaster and his wife Mrs Waring who also taught there were absolutely brilliant. They always went above and beyond for the school and the community as a whole.

"Very special people indeed. Also Mrs Morgan was most definitely one in a million."

85. Mrs Dunkley

Christine Moran said: "I'm 61, and I remember my favourite teacher back then at Hillside High School, Bootle.. It was Miss McGrath/Mrs Dunkley when she married."

84. Mr Franklin

Lisa Gordon said: "Mr Franklin. Earl Road School. Best stories always at assembly."

83. Jo Lewis

Meisha Osborne Hurst said: "Jo Lewis at St Michael's, Crosby - 100% best teacher! I was such a naughty problem child but you always kept me in check, influenced and supported me to make better choices.

"I still have the little laminated card that you gave me on my last day 10 years ago that says ‘ every mile starts with a single step.' It’s in my purse x"

82. Mr Fairhurst

Peter Janice Snyers said: "I went to Crosby Road North. We had to sit in RK (religious knowledge) classes so I sat my ‘O’ level exam because I had been in the lessons. I got a GCE1 grade (top grade).

"Mr Fairhurst the teacher congratulated me on my mark and I just dismissed it as nothing although I now realised he was elated as one one his students had actually listened to his lessons. Sorry (after 56 years) Mr Fairhurst for disappointing you by my response."

81. Sean Mottram

Charlie Kirby said: "Sean Mottram, literally the best teacher ever. Showed me so much support when I found out I’d be mid way through my pregnancy when GCSE’s started. I will forever appreciate all you did."

80. Mr Klausen

Claire Atherton said: "Mr Klausen from Pensby Primary School. He was my son's teacher. He had such a positive effect on my son. He went above and beyond for us. He was a really great guy."

79. Mr Slade

Kerri Simpson said: "Mr Slade, music and maths teacher in Norman Pannell in the 70s."

78. Mr Leon Bernicoff

Vivian Manns said: "Mr Bernicoff (off Gogglebox) my history and form teacher (2nd year) Gateacre Comp. We had such a laugh with him, a great teacher."

76. Mrs Goodchild

Daniel Xander Roberts said: "Mrs Goodchild from Woodchurch High School was brilliant."

75. Miss Blond and 74. Mr Evans

Kerry Lindsay said: "Miss Blond and Mr Evans at Croxteth Community Comprehensive- nicest people ever! Kind and helpful, and Miss Blond even had a very very famous son! We loved hearing all about him - she was so proud!"

73. Miss Palmer

Sandra Scott said: "Miss Palmer my French Teacher for two years at Notre Dame, Woolton. No one in my family spoke a foreign language so my whole career and love of languages is down to her. She was really inspirational."

72. Mr Walton

Jan Davey said: "I was at Croxteth Comp in the early 70s. I was a quiet kid, loved my English lessons and thought Mr Walton my French teacher was amazing. He brought me out of my shell and gave me confidence to speak out loud in class."

71. Mr Tom Lightburn

Marsha Parton-Murphy said: "Mr Tom Lightburn from Liscard Primary School. I’m 51 and still think of him very fondly. He used to give all pupils a jelly baby on our way out the door on a Friday. He was a kind man who had been in the Navy for 22 years in the medical division, and told us tales of his adventures.

"He then retired from teaching and wrote books about the sea and war. On my 21st I invited him to my birthday, although he couldn’t come he sent me a beautiful bouquet. He made such an impression on my life."

70. Karen Austin Smith

Sarah-Jane Thomson said: "Karen Austin Smith, you were always my favourite teacher and having undiagnosed ADHD I was sometimes a bit naughty or the typical class clown, so certain teachers wouldn't treat me the same. But you always did and used to always tell me I could be whatever I wanted to be xx."

69. Mr Les White and 68. Mr Kelly

Lisa Hughes said: "Mr Les White and Mr Kelly... both amazing teachers during my time at St. Thomas Beckett. Never a dull moment!"

67. Mr Norman Bilko

KM Ealo said: "Norman Bilko (Mike Bilko) the kindest, gentlest and most inspirational teacher I have ever met. His patience, guidance and endeavourment meant I actually have a career when I'd all but given up.

"I have him to thank for making me the teacher that I am. Forever grateful xx"

66. Mrs Howe, 65. Miss Scott and 64. Miss McCullough

Lynnmarie Cummings said: "I went to Northcote Primary School and my favourite teacher, I have two, was Mrs Howe my reception teacher and then Miss Scott my year 2 teacher. I went to Hillside high school and my favourite teacher there was Miss McCulloug,h she was the history teacher."

63. Maria Dulson and 62. Karen Jones

Vivienne Abbas said: "Maria Dulson, history, was my form tutor. Wonderful, kind and caring soul. Also, was inspired by Karen Jones, my head of year who taught French. She’s a cool person and full of energy and enthusiastic about life.

"I used to always be in her office for bad behaviour though lol x. Woodchurch High, Class of 2008-2013."

61. Mr Billinge

Melissa Evans said: "I went to Allanson Street Primary and my favourite teacher was Mr Billinge. I was terrified of him to begin with but he grew on me, over time found him so funny. Then in year 6, 2011, I left to live in Wales so moved got accepted into a Welsh school.

"A week later we had a trip to Gulliver's World and low and behold my old school and class were there. As soon as I saw him I ran up to him and gave him the biggest hug, still miss him."

60 and 59. Mr and Mrs Lacey

Suzanne N Gordy Corner said: "Mr Lacey & then Miss Lloyd, now Mrs Lacey, were the best teachers. Yew Tree Comp School, L14."

58. Miss Stephenson

Louise Turpin said: "Miss Stephenson, art, St John Bosco in Croxteth. Not getting a better teacher."

57. Lisa Mcguinness

Mia Clarke said: "Lisa Mcguinness St Hilda's. She was just the best, always remember her she spent ages actually getting to know us kids and was always there for us all when she didn't have to be."

56. Mrs Mary Nichols

Ian Joan Rydill said: "I am 78 and my first teacher was Mrs Nichols at St Peter and Paul's, Crosby. I have never forgotten her kindness and how she helped me 'fit in". I loved school as a result and this lady was the mother of Vincent Nichols, now Cardinal of England."

55. Mr Andain

Rachel Atherton said: "Mr Andain when he taught at Childwall Valley Girls School, then went on to be Head at Broadgreen Comp. He encouraged my love for history which I think my daughter inherited who is now a history teacher herself."

54. Mrs Reavy and 53. Mrs Branch

Liz Watts said: "Mrs Reavy, Kingsway Primary School, 1990. She was the best and Mrs Branch the head who sadly passed last year. Both had a massive impact on my school years xx"

52. Miss Latham

Tracey Houghton said: "Miss Latham.....my English teacher at Holly Lodge. Sadly no longer here but an amazing, encouraging, enthusiastic teacher. I loved her xxx"

51. Ms Craven

Plamy Lamy said: "Ms Craven, Granby Street Primary School. She used to give us a spelling test every Friday morning and Friday afternoons was fun games and arts time. I credit her for my great spelling!"

50. Johanna Orrett

Nicole Francesca said: "Johanna Orrett, my year 6 teacher at Longton Lane Primary School, Rainhill, 2004-2005. Helped me in so many ways when my mum had cancer and always went that extra mile with anything and everything.

"She inspired me to become a primary school teacher myself and I still have a laminated poem she gave us during our SATs! Amazing lady."

49. Alan Bleasdale

Joan Gwill Alcock said: "Most memorable teacher at Halewood Grange was Alan Bleasdale, the writer. We read his books in our English lessons."

Phil Gerrie also said: "Alan Bleasdale Boys from the Blackstuff ) playwright, Halewood Grange School."

48. Mr O’Donaghue

Andrea Roberts said: "Mr O’Donaghue, Blessed Sacrament, Aintree. The absolute best there was."

47. Mrs Dawber

Karen Thomas said: "Mrs Dawber from Corinthian Avenue Primary School in Old Swan. She taught me, my brother and my own children.

"Even after retirement, she still had a lot of input at the school. Well loved by everyone! I will always remember her reading my first favourite story books - The Magical Folk of the Faraway Tree."

46. Mr Horn

Dawn Grugel-Lawton said: "Our headmaster, Mr Horn at Little Gray Street School, Bootle. He used all his spare time in breaks teaching us music. He was great, I just wish our secondary school had the same commitment with music."

45. Mrs Quirk

Ros Noone said: "Mrs Quirk, Lorraine Street. She still keeps in touch with her pupils and she’s in her late 80s. Amazing teacher and we’re in late 60s, early 70s."

44. Perri Alleyne-Hughes

Emma Gregory said: "Perri Alleyne-Hughes was my all time favourite teacher. She helped me gain confidence and encouraged me a lot throughout secondary school. I can't thank her enough!"

43. Mrs Carhill

Leia Boo Oldland said: "Mrs Carhill from Archbishop Beck, 1990. She was the greatest, helped me pass my maths exam.

"She was the only teacher who had faith in me. Would love to thank her again."

42. Mrs Gough

Mishele Beckwith said: "Mrs Gough from Monksdown Primary School was my year 6 junior teacher. I'm now 38 and she is the headmistress now I believe x"

41 and 40. Mr and Mrs Howarth

Michelle Shell said: "We had the privilege of Mr Howarth, Archbishop Beck head of year. He was one of the best and his wife Mrs Howarth history teacher, one of the nicest teachers I’ve ever met."

39. Emma Baxendale

Rachel Benson said: "My fav teacher I had in secondary school was Emma Baxendale. She made the last two years of our geography GCSE - without her I wouldn't have passed my GCSE. We absolutely loved our trip for our coursework we had such a laugh as well as doing it for our coursework, thank you."

38. Stevie Hines

Lauran Collins said: "Stevie Hines, my high school English teacher. I don't think I would have passed or even been considered to be forwarded for the higher exam if it wasn't for the extra time he worked with me. It is teachers like him who you remember."

37. Mr Oakfield and 36. Mr Harker

Debra Kilshaw said: "Mr Oakfield, Lemington Road Primary School, 1970s, brilliant teacher. I was in his class for two years. He was a giant of a man with a loud deep voice, he was so interesting and very witty!

"Also the headmaster of the same time Mr Harker. He loved the football team which was pretty good at that time! He used to hire a few buses to take the whole school to the final game, then he would throw a party for the parents in the school hall."

35. Mrs Andrew

Susan Farron said: "I’m 66 and my favourite teacher In high school was my French teacher Mrs Andrew from Queen Mary High school. I am still in touch with her now and she is still amazing xx."

34. Sister Siobhan

Maureen Mills said: "Sister Oliver, renamed Sister Siobhan, at Seafield 1965-1969. I was a bit of a nightmare (she said spirited) and she was the only one who stood up for me. Never forgotten that or her."

33. Mrs Haddock

Katie Anne said: "Mrs Haddock , reception teacher St Teresa’s Primary School in St Helens. She was my teacher in 1994 and I can still remember all the wonderful things about her. She inspired me to be a primary teacher from the young age of four."

32. Mr Hubbert, 31. Joanne Sumner and 30. María Rodriguez

Kylie Knowles said: "Primary would be Mr Hubbert at Our Lady of Walsingham, Netherton. We all idolised him and he believed in us all, no matter what our backgrounds where, we were all the same in the classroom. He was the best.

"Secondary would be Joanne Sumner and María Rodriguez at Maricourt High School who saw the best in me, even when I didn’t deserve it. They didn’t judge me on my school reputation, which wasn’t the best, and let me thrive."

29. Mr Dalton

Leslie-John Benn said: "Mr Dalton when I was at St Anne Stanley C of E Primary School when I was seven. He was the best teacher in the world in my opinion."

28. Miss Cardwell

Kayla Ne said: "Miss Cardwell, my little boy's teacher. She’s the real life Miss Honey. He’s so happy to have her again this year. She’s amazing x"

27. Miss Hunter

Emma McMahon said: "Middlefield - Miss Hunter. She was my teacher years ago, and then my two boys adored her too. She's now retired x"

26. Mr Peter Welsh

Kathy Bretherton said: "Mr Peter Welsh, he was a teacher at Ranworth Square and he was amazing. I heard he went on to be a headteacher at another school and I bet he was brilliant."

25. Claire Loughlin

Steph Minshull said: "Claire Loughlin you were my favourite. Amazing teacher and if I think back to the best school memories, you're the one who always comes into mind, Thank you."

24. Sarah Dacey

Jenny Gill said: "Sarah Dacey at Alsop High School 1995-2000. Really good French teacher and form teacher and a lovely person too x"

23. Miss Waldron

Leah Hobin said: "Miss Waldron from Florence Melly, Walton, 1970’s. She was kind and patient, sadly no longer with us."

22. Rachel Carden

Hannah Lucy said: "Rachel Carden. St Cleopas. She was a diamond, a real Miss Honey."

21. Margaret Price

Annie Brown said: "Margaret Price in Grove Street, New Ferry. She taught all my boys and although she's retired she still does a lot in the community."

20. Ms Maureen Blackhurst

Peter Iggy said: "Ms Maureen Blackhurst. My year 4 teacher in Woolton Juniors.

"I don't care what people thought of her, she was the best teacher for a kid like me at the time. I can't have been that bad if she came to my wedding though."

19. Mrs Christopher

Kelly McGee said: "Mrs Christopher- Phoenix Primary School. Never ever met a teacher who has so much care for their class children, my children adore her!"

Francesca Low also said: "Mrs Christopher- Phoenix Primary School. She’s one in a million all my children adore her still."

18. Mrs Whelan

Michelle Bushell said: "Mrs Whelan, who taught at Blessed Sacrament Primary in the early 80s. So lovely she even allowed me to join the school choir despite being tone deaf and screeching like an injured cat."

17. Alma Mason

Ann Marie Lakey said: "Alma Mason, she was the most inspirational deputy head teacher at Croxteth comprehensive school that ever could be. She really believed in her pupils and inspired them onto great things."

16. Mike Maxwell and 15. Frank Hughes

Tony Hennessy said: "I had the great privilege of being taught by two outstanding teachers (masters) at St Mary’s Crosby in the early / mid 70s. Mike Maxwell for history, who made a ”history boy “(in the Alan Bennett sense) out of me and Frank Hughes for English. Their influence endures to this day in the books I have."

14. Mr Cockram

Lucy Anna said: "Mr Cockram (Deyes High School) my maths and form tutor; lovely, lovely man. Really supportive and so funny.

"Unfortunately he passed away not long after I left and when he retired, which was very upsetting as he couldn’t wait and had so many plans. He was such a genuine and kind man."

13. Lois Murray

Jayne Godwin said: "Lois Murray - my son's reception teacher, she made such a difference to my son's first year in school, and still does to this day. My son absolutely loves her and with him being ADHD she was so patient and understanding with him, and was so supportive of myself and my son during our diagnosis process.

"She has made such a difference and positive impact on my little boy's experience in school, to the point where he used to ask if she could come over for tea! She isn’t just a teacher to him, she's also a friend. And even now 2/3 years down the line my little boy will still sneak out of his lessons to go and see her. She’s such a credit to our school."

12. Mr Gopsill

Tessie Dodd said: "Not my teacher, but my son's. His name is Mr Gopsill, and he was at Grove Street school, he was my son's last teacher in that school, and my god he made a difference to my boy.

"He was quite shy before hand, and came out quite cocky and very confident. Absolutely amazing teacher."

11. Mr Dixon

Audra Jennifer Thomas said: "Mine was Mr Dixon from Crosby High as I moved house so had to move school. I found it hard leaving my old friends and he literally never gave up on me, he knew I could change and helped me. He was the best history teacher and head of year 10 & 11 - change my life he did, and I thank you for that."

10. Mrs Entwhistle

Karen Mcdonough said: "St Dominic's, Huyton. Mrs Entwhistle, she was amazing and the one who got me on a typewriter x"

9. Mr Clough

Thomas Rachael Jacob said: "Mr Clough, geography teacher at West Comp. What a guy, still talk to him to this day, legend."

8. Mrs Harvey

Debbie Dah said: "Mrs Harvey, Queen Mary Comprehensive. Gave me a love of literature and language. A wonderful lady with lots of patience and compassion!"

7. Justin McCauley

Kate Naylor said: "Justin McCauley at St. Cuthbert's School. He was the most amazing teacher, many happy memories with him throughout my high school years. It’s not very often you can say a teacher made your school days a little easier but he certainly did!"

6. Mr Cannon

Tammy Robinson said: "Mr Cannon, Windle Pilkington Primary School, St Helens, late 70s early 80s. He went above and beyond for our school gymnastics team. Gave me a lifelong love of gymnastics."

5. Mrs Cook

Jacqui Glowacki said: "My favourite teacher was Mrs Cook from the primary school in Knowsley Village. She gave me the solid foundation I needed to go on and have a very successful career."

4. Elizabeth Margaret

Laura Cousins said: "Elizabeth Margaret, my favourite teacher ever. I always wanted to be just like her when I grew up. The most loving and kind person and still is to this day x"

3. Mrs Rebecca Devenney

Terri-Ann Kendrick said: "Mrs Rebecca Devenney from Ranworth Square Primary 20 years ago. Still appreciate so often how much of a positive impact she had on me."

2. Jim Nixon

Liam Draper said: "Big Jim Nixon, top bloke! Everyone loved him. Even had the privilege to enjoy a pint with him a few times!"

1. Mr Kennedy

Patricia Rippon said: "Mr Kennedy. Loved him. He was my English teacher in 6th form, introduced me to Shakespeare. Brookfield Comp."