School pays tribute to 'beautiful' head teacher

A special needs school has paid tribute to its "beautiful" head teacher following her death on Wednesday.

Rachael Booth, who led The Willows School in Thurcroft, near Rotherham, was described as "energetic, compassionate and inspirational" by the Nexus Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), which runs the school.

Nexus chief executive Warren Carratt said staff had "fought so hard to resuscitate Rachael last week" and that their actions ensured her family and friends were "able to be with her during her final days".

The Willows, which caters for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities aged between seven and 19, would remain closed until Monday 2 November, the trust said.

Paying tribute, Carratt said Booth had a "deep and devout faith" and that the world had been "immeasurably better" for her life.

He added: "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."

According to the school's website, Booth worked in mainstream secondary schools as a maths teacher for 15 years, before joining The Willows in January 2010 as "maths lead".

She later became head of the upper school before being promoted to head teacher.