Tributes left and school in mourning after beloved Yorkshire headteacher dies

Rachael Booth, headteacher of the Willows School in Thurcroft, suffered a heart attack while she was at the school on October 14.

It was announced on Tuesday evening (Oct 20) that she had died.

The school will now remain closed for the rest of this week and will reopen on Monday, November 2.

Warren Carratt, chief executive officer of Nexus Multi Academy Trust, said in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to inform you that our beautiful headteacher, Rachael Booth, passed away earlier today [Tuesday].

“This is devasting news for our school community, and The Willows will now be closed for the rest of this week, whilst our staff team come to terms with this tragedy.

“I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, and I hope you understand why we have taken this difficult decision.

“School will re-open for pupils on Monday 2 November 2026, as normal.

“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.”

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.

“Thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do for The Willows.

“The school community will come together, when the time is right to celebrate everything that Rachael Booth brought to this world, and especially to the children, families and staff of The Willows School, in her service as our energetic, compassionate and inspirational headteacher.”