Yorkshire school shuts as headteacher suddenly dies – staff 'fought' to save her

Yorkshire school shuts as headteacher suddenly dies – staff 'fought' to save her Rachael Booth, headteacher at the Willows School in Rotherham, suffered a heart attack at the school on October 14 and tragically died on Tuesday A school has paid tribute to its much-loved headteacher following her sudden death. Rachael Booth, headteacher at the Willows School in Rotherham, suffered a heart attack at the special educational needs school on October 14. She tragically died on Tuesday. The school announced it would be closing 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". He described how staff at the school fought to resuscitate Rachael. This allowed her family and friends to be with her during her final days. He added the school will now reopen to students on Monday, November 2, after the half-term break, YorkshireLive reports. 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. "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. "You may wish to speak to your child to explain what has happened. However, please be reassured that we will ensure teachers and support staff share this news with pupils in a planned and personalised way when school re-opens, so that we can minimise any upset they may feel and support them through any difficulties." Many have since taken to Facebook to pay tributes 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!"