A “brilliant” headteacher tragically died while on holiday in France, his school said, describing the Essex educator as a “much-loved colleague” with a passion for teaching.
Simon Gibbs, headteacher of New Rickstones Academy in Witham, Essex, has reportedly died in an accident while on holiday with friends across the English Channel.
An FCDO spokesperson confirmed his death and said British authorities are in contact with local officials to determine further details about his death and to support his family.
Academies Enterprise Trust regional director of education Johanna Thompson wrote a heartfelt letter to staff and parents at the school, informing them of Mr Gibbs’ death.
“I am very sorry to write to you with the tragic news that Simon Gibbs, our director, died over the weekend,” said the letter, which circulated on social media.
‘As far as we know, there was an accident on Saturday afternoon while Simon was away for the weekend with some friends in France.
“This is obviously devastating news and our immediate thoughts are with Simon’s family at this impossible time.”
Simon Gibbs, headteacher of New Rickstones Academy in Witham, Essex, has reportedly died in an accident while on holiday with friends across the English Channel.
New Rickstones Academy in Essex
‘Our staff have been informed today and we wanted to make sure you are aware so that you have the opportunity to speak to your child tonight.
‘It will take time for everyone to process and accept devastating news like this, and our priority is to ensure that students and staff have the support available to see us through this time.
“Simon was a much-loved colleague and brilliant director and will be greatly missed,” his letter continued.
‘He will be remembered for his integrity and passion for teaching, as well as his dedication to the New Rickstones community.
“As we move forward in the coming days and weeks, we will find the right way to remember you in New Rickstones and celebrate your commitment to this community,” the letter concludes.
Mr Gibbs graduated from Cardiff University with a master’s degree in financial economics in 2004, before transitioning to teaching with a PGCE qualification.
He then became Head of Mathematics at Maltings Academy, another secondary school in Witham, before moving to New Rickstones in 2018.
He had been working at New Rickstones Academy for over six years before his untimely death, and became headteacher of the school in September 2021.
“Simon was a much-loved colleague and brilliant headteacher and will be greatly missed,” said a letter to staff and parents.
Tributes to the late maestro poured into social media following his death.
“Mr. Gibbs was a fantastic teacher at the new Rickstones Academy and always helped me with all my children,” one user wrote on Facebook.
‘He was the go-to person and always contacted you straight away to help you. I was just talking to him last week about how to help one of my daughters.
“He had such a lovely, kind heart and would help anyone,” she said.
‘My daughters are devastated and so are we. He was an amazing teacher and director,” wrote another.
‘He cared a lot about his students. I send a hug to his family and colleagues at this difficult time.’
And another user said: ‘What devastating news. An amazing manager, always took the time to respond to emails immediately. Excellent with students, he will be greatly missed by all, past and present.
‘Thinking of his family and the NRA staff. Rest easy, Mr. Gibbs.