The Willows School in Rotherham has closed following the sudden death of its headteacher, Rachael Booth, who suffered a heart attack at the special educational needs school on October 14 and died on Tuesday.
School closure and tribute
The school announced it would close to allow staff to come to terms with the "devastating" news. Warren Carratt, Chief Executive of the Nexus Multi-Academy Trust which runs the school, apologised for the "inconvenience this may cause."
Carratt described how staff at the school fought to resuscitate Rachael, which allowed her family and friends to be with her during her final days. The school will reopen to students on Monday, November 2, after the half-term break.
Staff efforts and personal tribute
He said: "School staff fought so hard to resuscitate Rachael last week, and it is because of their actions that Rachael’s family and friends were able to be with her during her final days."
He added: "Rachael had a deep and devout faith, and her strong belief was that there is a better plane of existence beyond the confines of this world. If that’s true, then that place has become immeasurably better for welcoming Rachael Booth into it."
"There will be a time when all of those who love Rachael will be able to celebrate her life and the immeasurable difference she made for children and families, in a career of public service where she touched thousands of lives, changing them for the better."
Tributes from former pupils
Many have since taken to Facebook to pay tribute to the headteacher. One said: "She was my tutor at secondary school. She was lovely, kind and bubbly and had time for everyone. And off course looks like she never changed. It's so sad. Thinking off her family and friends. X."
Another former pupil wrote: "She was my maths teacher when I attended Valley school 2005-2009. I’ve never forgotten her pukka classroom and how she always had her doc martens on. She was the sweetest kindest woman to grace the education sector and I pass on my sincere condolences to her family. Rest Peacefully Mrs Booth!"
The school has reassured parents that teachers and support staff will share the news with pupils in a planned and personalised way when school reopens, to minimise any upset and support them through any difficulties.
