My grandfather Allen Field, who has died aged 84, was a pioneer in the field of special education. During a career that culminated in more than 20 years as principal of the National Star College, near Cheltenham, from 1971 until 1992, he was influential in putting the education into special education. He believed not only in equality but in the potential of all people to succeed, and indeed to exceed expectations, whatever difficulties they faced.
Born in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, he went to the town's Wheelwright grammar school for boys before national service just after the second world war. Allen put himself through teacher training at York St John College (now University) after missing out on the bursaries given to national service conscripts by only 10 days. During his training, he spent his spare time volunteering at the School for the Blind in York, where he ran football sessions for pupils.
After qualifying, and down to his last £10 and working on a building site, he landed a post with the Shaftesbury Society (now known as Livability), teaching pupils with mobility impairments such as muscular dystrophy. He was inspired by the intelligence of the school's pupils, and refused to be present at the administration of corporal punishment, even though he was a new recruit living in the house of the headmaster. This courage, integrity and delight in the potential of others defined both his career and his personality.
In the 1960s, Allen took on the challenge of setting up a Shaftesbury Society school at Coney Hill in south London. As its first headteacher, he had the chance to pursue his vision of developing a special education that focused on education as well as care. He encouraged his pupils to enter public exams, and to engage in and enjoy competitive sport, and he championed the participation of his pupils in the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme. He also ensured his pupils had the opportunity to gain key life skills, such as learning to drive. All of this is commonplace now, but in the 1960s his innovative work led the way.
From Coney Hill, he went on to head Oakes Park school in Sheffield, before moving on to the National Star College. After retiring in 1992, he headed the Cheltenham community health council for some years.
He is survived by his wife, Jozefa, whom he married in 1954; his brother Gerald; three children; and six grandchildren.