School in mourning after 'terrible shock' as head teacher dies suddenly

29 April 2024 , 15:31

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Headteacher David Cole died suddenly, Brine Leas School announced (Image: MEN MEDIA)

Staff and pupils have been left "deeply shocked and saddened" after a headteacher died suddenly.

David Cole, the head of the Brine Leas School in Nantwich, Cheshire, died on Sunday. The school remained closed today following the announcement.

In a letter sent out today, school officials sent their love to Cole's family. "We are deeply shocked and saddened to inform you that David Cole, headteacher at Brine Leas School, died suddenly yesterday," chair of governors Rachel Bolton said in a post shared on X, Twitter, today."This is a terrible shock for the entire school community and our love and thoughts are with David's family and friends at this really difficult time. We can confirm the school will be open as normal tomorrow (April 30) for all pupils and all exams will run as planned.

"Further details will follow in the coming days and the school will be providing any support for staff and pupils that is needed. The family have asked for privacy and we would encourage you to respect this."

In an X post shared on Sunday, a Brine Leas School spokesperson said it would be closed to pupils due to an emergency. It added the school remained open to staff.

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Connor Naismith, the Labour Parliamentary candidate for Crewe and Nantwich, shared his condolences in a Facebook message shared earlier today, which said: "The news that David Cole, headteacher at Brine Leas School, has passed away is shocking and truly devastating. David will have had a huge impact on many young people and the wider community that the school reaches into. His loss is extremely sad. I send my thoughts and condolences to all those who knew David."

Cole first arrived at the school in 2000 and became headteacher in 2019 where he said it was a "privilege" to lead the school, according to CheshireLive. In a welcome note shared on the school's website, Cole said: "The school and parents can and do feel justifiably proud of the achievements made by students in their time at the school. I am fortunate to be supported by a first-class team of staff, strong governors and a highly supportive parent body who, quite rightly, expect only the very best for their children.

"Since my arrival at Brine Leas in 2000 I have had the pleasure of being part of a school that helps our young people excel across a broad range of disciplines. Taking over as headteacher in January 2019, I now have the privilege of leading this school on the next part of its journey."

Dave Knapper