South Yorkshire school set to close for funeral of beloved headteacher
The announcement comes as Mrs Booth’s replacement is named
A tragedy-hit South Yorkshire school will close to allow staff to attend the funeral of its beloved headteacher, Rachael Booth, who died suddenly last month.
Mrs Booth, headteacher at The Willows special education school in Thurcroft, Rotherham, suffered a heart attack on the premises and died a few days later on October 20.
An outpouring of support and sympathy from the school, parents and the public was voiced.
In the wake of Mrs Booth’s tragic death, the decision was taken to close The Willows, ahead of the half-term.
The school re-opened on Monday, November 2.
It has now been confirmed The Willows will close once more on Thursday, November 12, 2026 for Mrs Booth’s funeral, to allow the workforce to “say goodbye.”
The announcement comes as Becky Allard was named executive headteacher for The Willows School.
She will be supported by Charlotte Stewart, who has become head of school.
Emily Wilkinson has become deputy head, and Matt Holmshaw will continue as assistant head.
In a statement on the school website, Warren Carratt, chief executive officer for Nexus Multi Academy Trust which runs the school, said: “These arrangements have been put in place to provide the most secure and least disruptive changes to the leadership and management of our beautiful school, at what is an impossibly difficult time.
“Becky knows school well, having worked with leaders on school improvement last year and having been Rachael’s line manager since September 1, 2026. Becky is a highly experienced and knowledgeable headteacher who understands what makes The Willows such a special school, and our children and staff will be in the safest of hands under Becky’s leadership.
“These arrangements will remain in place until 31 August 2027, unless all parties agree to an earlier change.
“I am grateful that Becky, Charlotte and Emily have been willing to take on these additional duties, which leave us with the best chance of The Willows being as stable and successful as it can be for the pupils we serve.”
Commenting on the decision to close the school for Mrs Booth’s funeral, he added: “We are all beyond grateful for your understanding, as we have sought to navigate what has been an incredibly difficult situation, and I know that the loss of any school day creates challenges and difficulties for families.
“We are asking now for one more day of support from you, so that the staff team can join Rachael’s family and friends at her funeral and both mourn our loss and celebrate her life, together.
“In time, we will find the best way possible to mark Rachael’s life and service to The Willows, I promise you that.
“Thank you all for your continued trust and support. It means more than you know.”
In the days after Mrs Booth’s funeral, her grieving husband Andrew set up a gofundme page to help the school his wife loved.
He set a fundraising target of £7,500 to be raised for The Willows, and a total of £7,205 has been raised so far.
To contribute to the fundraiser, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-willows-special-needs-school?cp_src=d