Featherstone Marks Rabindara Pathak's Five Decades of Service

Former Mayor of Ealing had been Chair of the school's governors

Mr Pathak receiving his MBE at Buckingham Palace in 2010

February 26, 2026

Featherstone High School has paid tribute to former Chair of Governors Rabindara Nath Pathak MBE, who has died after more than five decades of service to the school and the wider Ealing community.

Mr Pathak, a former Mayor of Ealing and long-serving councillor, was described by the school as an “instrumental” figure whose commitment helped shape Featherstone into the institution it is today.

Mr Pathak’s association with the school began in the 1970s, when he lived locally and all four of his children attended Featherstone High. He joined the governing body as a parent governor in 1974, later becoming a councillor representative in 1976. In 1984 he was appointed Chair of Governors, a role he went on to hold for three decades.

During his tenure, he oversaw major developments that transformed the school’s facilities and educational offer. He guided the unification of the school’s two sites and played a central role in securing funding for the construction of the B Block classroom building in 1996. He also dedicated significant time to securing matched funding for a Sports Lottery award, which delivered the school’s all ‑ weather Astro pitch, MUGA and Sports Centre—facilities that have since served both pupils and the wider community.

Beyond Featherstone, Mr Pathak was a prominent figure in local public life. He served as Mayor of Ealing in 1987/88, was made a Freeman of the Borough in 2002, and remained a respected voice in civic affairs for many years. As Chair of Governors, he successfully lobbied for the reinstatement of the school’s Sixth Form and proudly opened the new Sixth Form building in 2010. He also guided the school through its transition to academy status in 2011/12.

In recognition of his exceptional contribution to education, Mr Pathak was awarded an MBE in 2010. Featherstone High School hosted a reception to celebrate the honour, attended by staff, family, friends and members of the local community. In 2014, the school marked his remarkable 40 years of service as he stepped down as Chair of Governors, though he continued to serve on the Grand Union Multi Academy Trust Board until 2022.

The school said it was “deeply grateful” for his decades of dedication. Mr Pathak supported Featherstone through Ofsted inspections and oversaw the appointment of two Headteachers—Ms Thelma Cox and Mr Gerry Wadwa—along with many senior leaders and staff who remember him with “great respect and affection”.

In its tribute, Featherstone High School said Mr Pathak’s leadership, advocacy and unwavering commitment had helped shape the school’s identity and success over half a century, adding that he would be remembered as a champion of education, community and opportunity.