An 'angel' headteacher of a special needs school has died after suffering a heart attack at work.
Rachael Booth, who led the Willows school in Rotherham, fell ill on Wednesday last week while at school. Staff members rushed to her aid and 'fought so hard' to help her.She was taken to hospital but died on Tuesday.
Mrs Booth had spent 16 years at the school, joining in 2010 as head of maths and teaching pupils aged seven to 19.
Warren Carratt, CEO of the Nexus multi-academy trust which runs the school, told parents in a letter on Tuesday of the 'devastating' news of her death, adding she had been an 'energetic, compassionate and inspirational headteacher'.
Flowers, cards and balloons were left outside the school, with tributes describing Mrs Booth as a 'wonder woman' and 'a true earth angel'.
Brett Parsley, who said he had lived next door to the teacher for five years, wrote he had 'never met a more genuine soul or family as yours'.
Mr Parsley added: 'I am beyond heartbroken for your wonderful husband and boys, and your entire family and those whose hearts you have touched.'
Rachael Booth, headteacher of the Willows school in Rotherham, died on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack at work
Mrs Booth had previously been a maths teacher at the school after joining in 2010
Olivia Kelly, who said Mrs Booth had taught her maths and been her headteacher, wrote that she would 'for ever be grateful for everything you did for me'.
Her tribute went on: 'You helped me so much when I was struggling, and you made such a difference in my life. You weren't just an amazing head teacher, you were someone who genuinely cared and made people feel supported when they needed it most.'
An Ofsted inspection of Willows school in November last year praised the management and teaching, finding the learning environment to be 'inclusive and nurturing'.
Inspectors found pupils' 'high attendance reflects their enthusiasm' and they 'respond positively to the school's high expectations', while teachers created a 'calm, friendly atmosphere'.
After Mrs Booth's cardiac arrest the school closed, briefly reopening until her death, after which time it shut again.
Willows is scheduled to reopen on November 2 after the half-term holiday.
Other tributes have poured in for Mrs Booth from students, parents and friends.
Tony Fisher said: 'We only met her once when we went to see the Willows, but her passion for the school, the children, and the staff was amazing and blew us away.
'The school wasn't the right setting for our boy but she took the time to advise us of a few other schools we should look at and we are forever grateful as he is at one of those schools today (which wasn't even on our radar) and thriving. Our condolences to all impacted.'
Tributes poured in for the 'angel' teacher, with friends, parents and former students sharing their memories of Mrs Booth
Amy Lianne added: 'Such a supportive, lovely and kind lady. I had her as my maths teacher almost 20 years ago.'
In full, Mr Carratt's statement on behalf of the school's trust read: 'Dear families, it is with a heavy heart that I am writing to inform you that our beautiful headteacher, Rachael Booth, passed away earlier today.
'This is devastating 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.
'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.
'You may wish to speak to your child to explain what has happened.
'However, please be reassured that we will ensure teachers and support staff share this news with pupils in a planned and personalised way when school re-opens, so that we can minimise any upset they may feel and support them through any difficulties.
'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.'