'Great sadness' as 'much-loved' Nottingham school staff member dies suddenly

A staff member at a city primary school has died unexpectedly. Kerrie Dawes, who worked at Nottingham Academy, on Greenwood Road, in Sneinton, died on Wednesday, June 26.

The school announced the news to parents and carers in a letter. It said: "It is with great sadness that I must inform you that Kerrie Dawes, a much-loved member of staff, has passed away in her home unexpectedly last night.

"Kerrie was a dedicated lunchtime supervisor and before and after school club team member who was highly respected and a pillar of school community. Kerrie was a wonderful and caring colleague who brought light and positivity to our Academy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her."

Pupils at the school were told the news just before the end of the school day on Thursday, June 27. The school said in the letter that it would be providing support to them.

Ms Dawes had been an employee at the school, run by the Greenwood Academies Trust, for 26 years. Many former pupils of the school and those who knew her paid tribute online.

Yazo Hussain said: "RIP, Kerrie was a lovely person, she was brilliant with all my children. Such sad sad news." And Claire Rothery said: "Omg rest in peace now Angel. the love and support you have shown every one you have known as been endless. Sending love and condolences to the family."

Imogen Platts said: "I remember how caring she was with us when I was in year three and I’m 18 now, such a wonderful member of staff at that school, so thoughtful such sad news RIP and much love and care to her family and any affected deeply from this loss."

And Jo French, Nottingham Primary Academy's principal, said: "We are deeply saddened by the news of Kerrie’s passing. She was a much-loved member of staff. Kerrie will be greatly missed by her colleagues, pupils and our families and our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

"As a school community, we are doing all we can to support each other as we process this sad news together. When the time is right, we will come together to honour her memory. In the meantime, we kindly ask everyone to please respect her family’s privacy.”