Tragedy sees ‘brilliant’ headmaster of Essex school killed in ‘accident’ while on holiday in France with friends

A ‘brilliant’ headteacher has tragically died while on holiday in France, his school said, describing the Essex teacher as a ‘much loved colleague’ with a passion for teaching.

Simon Gibbs, the principal of New Rickstones Academy in Witham, Essex, has reportedly died in an accident while on holiday with friends across the Channel.

An FCDO spokesperson confirmed his death and said British authorities were in contact with local officials to determine further details about his death and to provide support to 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 deeply sorry to share the tragic news that Simon Gibbs, our director, passed away this weekend,” read the letter circulated on social media.

‘As far as we know, an accident happened on Saturday evening 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.’

New Rickstones Academy in Essex

“Our staff was notified today and we wanted to make sure you were aware of this so that you had an opportunity to speak to your child this evening.

‘Devastating news like this will take time for everyone to digest and process, and our priority is to ensure students and staff have the support to help us get through this time.

“Simon was a much-loved colleague and brilliant headteacher and we will miss him dearly,” her letter continued.

“He will be remembered for his integrity and passion for teaching, as well as his commitment to the New Rickstones community.

“In the coming days and weeks we will find the right way to commemorate him at New Rickstones and celebrate his dedication to this community,” the letter concluded.

Mr Gibbs graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 with a Masters degree in Financial Economics, before switching 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 worked at New Rickstones Academy for more than six years before his untimely passing, becoming principal of the school in September 2021.

“Simon was a much-loved colleague and brilliant headteacher and we will miss him dearly,” said a letter to staff and parents.

Tributes to the late teacher poured in on social media after his death.

“Mr Gibbs was a fantastic teacher at the new Rickstones academy and always helped with all my children,” one user wrote on Facebook.

‘He was the person you could go to and always contacted you straight away to help. I was just talking to him last week about helping one of my daughters.

“He had such a sweet, kind heart and would help anyone,” she said.

“My girls are devastated and so are we. He was a great teacher and head teacher,” wrote another.

“He cared so much about his students. I send hugs to his family and colleagues during this difficult time.”

And another user said: ‘Such devastating news. A great director, always took the time to answer emails promptly. He relates very well to the students and will be greatly missed by them all, both past and present.

“I think of his family and the NRA staff. Rest in peace, Mr. Gibbs.”