British school principal Simon Gibbs dies in an 'accident' while on holiday in France with friends as a tribute
A BRIT headteacher has tragically died while on holiday in France.
Simon Gibbs reportedly died in an accident on Saturday evening while on holiday with his friends.
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The principal of the New Rickstones Academy in Witham, Essex was described by his colleagues as a “beloved colleague” and a “brilliant” educator.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed his death, adding that it has offered support to his family.
British authorities have contacted French officials to find out more details about his death.
Regional education director for the Academies Enterprise Trust Johanna Thompson has informed Gibbs' colleagues and parents of his death.
In a heartbreaking way social media tribute, she wrote: “I am very sorry to write with the tragic news Simon Gibbs, our director, passed away this weekend.
“As far as we know, an accident happened on Saturday evening while Simon was away for the weekend with some friends France.
“This is clearly devastating news and our immediate thoughts are with Simon's family at this impossible time.”
She continued: “Our staff was notified today and we wanted to make sure you were aware of this so that you had an opportunity to speak to your child this evening.
“Devastating news like this will take time for everyone to digest and process, and our priority is to ensure students and staff have the support to help us through this time.
“Simon was a much-loved colleague and brilliant headteacher and we will miss him enormously.
“He will be remembered for his integrity and passion for teaching, as well as his commitment to the New Rickstones community.
'If we go through the next one For days and weeks to come we will find the right way to commemorate him at New Rickstones and celebrate his service to this community.”
Gibbs graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 with a Masters in Economics before qualifying as a teacher.
He worked as head of mathematics at Maltings Academy, but moved to New Rickstones in 2018.
In 2021, Gibbs was promoted to principal of the school and worked at the school for over six years before his untimely passing.
The parents of Gibbs' students have paid their heartfelt tributes on social media following his death.
One person wrote: “Mr Gibbs was a fantastic teacher at the new Rickstones academy and always helped out all my children.”
Another added: “He was the go to person and always got in touch straight away to help. I was just talking to him last week about helping one of my daughters.
“He had such a sweet, kind heart and would help anyone.”
A third person said: “My girls are devastated and so are we. He was a wonderful teacher and headmaster.
“He cared so much about his students. He sent hugs to his family and colleagues during this difficult time.”
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