Rotherham school headteacher dies after heart attack at work

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 13:44 · Archive

Rachael Booth, headteacher of the Willows School in Rotherham, died after suffering a heart attack at the special educational needs school.

Rachael Booth, headteacher at the Willows School in Rotherham, a special educational needs school, suffered a heart attack on site on 14 October. She was taken to hospital but died on Tuesday. Staff at the school immediately attempted to resuscitate her, which gave her family and friends time to be with her during her final days.

Mrs Booth had been at the school for 16 years, joining in 2010 as head of maths before becoming headteacher. She taught pupils aged seven to 19. Warren Carratt, Chief Executive of the Nexus Multi-Academy Trust which runs the school, described her as an 'energetic, compassionate and inspirational headteacher'. Following her death, flowers, cards and balloons were left outside the school, with tributes from former pupils and neighbours.

The school closed to allow staff to come to terms with what the trust described as 'devastating' news. It is due to reopen to students on Monday, 2 November, after the half-term break.

How it is being reported

• Headteacher dies after suffering heart attack in special needs school despite colleagues' fighting 'so hard' to save herRachael Booth, who led the Willows school in Rotherham, fell ill on Wednesday last week while at school, when staff members rushed to her aid. She died on Tuesday.Daily Mail · 23 Oct, 13:13
• Yorkshire school shuts as headteacher suddenly dies – staff 'fought' to save herRachael Booth, headteacher at the Willows School in Rotherham, suffered a heart attack at the school on October 14 and tragically died on TuesdayThe Mirror · 23 Oct, 12:37

In this story: Rachael Booth · Willows School · Rotherham · Nexus Multi-Academy Trust · Warren Carratt

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