Des Smith

Desmond Des P Smith MA, BA, ACDip was, until his retirement in July 2006, the headteacher at All Saints Catholic School and Technology College, Dagenham, England. Smith attracted media attention by making the indiscreet remarks that triggered the Cash for Honours scandal. All Saints Catholic School, Dagenham Smith was the head of All Saints Catholic School, Dagenham (until 1989 known as Bishop Ward) to 2006. When he took over, standards at Bishop Ward were poor with an atmosphere described as "depressed and violent". Following the appointment of Smith in 1984 results steadily improved until in 2003 it was considered "the second most improved school in England". Smith had worked with Paul Grant, head at Robert Clack School, also in Dagenham, to drive up standards at both schools. Smith described his career high as "My first prize-giving evening as headteacher. It was very humbling to recognise the effort and hard work of our pupils." According to his local Labour MP Jon Cruddas, Smith did a "fantastic" job at his school. Crudas also said that Smith "had transformed the lives of thousands of poor children". His "clear and focused" leadership was praised by Ofsted.