Heartbroken school mourns 'remarkable' teacher

Staff have paid tribute to a "truly remarkable" long-term teacher who has died, saying she "gave so much of herself" to the school community.

Caroline Williams worked at Churchtown Primary School in Southport for 25 years before her death last month after being diagnosed with a brain tumour 18 months earlier.

Headteacher Jinnie Payne wrote to parents and carers that Mrs Williams's death had left staff and pupils "heartbroken".

She said: "Her commitment to education, her belief in every child, and her unwavering standards made her a truly remarkable teacher."

"While she set the bar high, she always did so with warmth, humour, and a sharp wit that kept us all smiling."

The mother-of-two was known for having banned the word "nice" from her classroom as it wasn't descriptive enough, Mrs Payne said.

She continued: "She taught with compassion and conviction, and she gave so much of herself to our school community."

Fellow teacher Mrs Bowers said Mrs Williams "quietly made people feel noticed, loved and valued".

"She went out of her way to comfort people when they were unhappy or sad," she added.

"She was always an advocate for all children but especially looked after children or disadvantaged children, she always had their needs at the forefront of her mind.

"She wore her heart on her sleeve and she just wanted the best for people. She fought hard for things she believed in."

Mrs Collins noted Mrs Williams' empathy and consideration of others, saying: "Caroline's emails to staff at Christmas and the ends of terms about vulnerable children, reminded us all to think for a moment about how difficult these times could be for some."

A celebration of Mrs Williams's life will take place at West Lancashire Crematorium on 24 June, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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