TRIBUTES have poured in following the tragic death of a headteacher during a trip abroad.
“Much-loved” and “brilliant” headteacher of New Rickstones Academy in Witham, Simon Gibbs, died over the weekend in France, the school announced.
In a letter sent home to parents and carers on Monday, regional education director for the Academies Enterprise Trust Johanna Thompson shared the news.
She said: “I am very sorry to be writing with the tragic news Simon Gibbs, our principal, died over the weekend.
"From what we understand there was an accident on Saturday evening whilst 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.”
The letter continued: “Simon was a much-loved colleague and brilliant headteacher and we will miss him enormously.
“He will be remembered for his integrity and passion for teaching, as well as his dedication to the community of New Rickstones.”
Following the tragic news, tributes have been pouring in from the community.
Witham MP Dame Priti Patel also paid tribute, saying Mr Gibbs was a “much-loved teacher” who will be “greatly missed”.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Simon’s family and his friends, colleagues and pupils at this difficult time,” she added.
Further tributes, left by the community using the Braintree and Witham Times' book of condolence are below.
Community answers
Book of condolence for New Rickstones Academy headteacher Simon Gibbs
"Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here."
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Mr Gibbs was such a trustworthy man. As a year 11 student, I feel gutted, hearing this news mentioned in almost every conversation someone tries to have with me. He was a brilliant headteacher, ensuring that our school is the safest environment for everyone and anyone who enters, the loss is forever going to leave a void within our academy, and all we can try, is to continue his legacy the best we can. It's hurtful to realise that with only 3 months left until GCSEs start, we will have our support from staff, all but him. There will be no shaking his hand during honours, collecting our grades during results day, even dancing about with him at prom. I send my love to his family and friends, encouraging them to stay as strong as possible during this impossible time. He will be missed by everyone. May he rest in peace now
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.A truly amazing man and a wonderful teacher. My daughter Freya was taught by Mr Gibbs throughout her time at NRA. Thanks to Mr Gibbs, Freya is now at Norwich university pursuing her dreams. Dreams that were made possible by this exceptional teacher , you helped Freya through the good times and bad . As her dad , I will be forever grateful for what you have done . My thoughts are with all your family , RIP Mr Gibbs 💔
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Excellent headteacher to me and my year group, getting us through the pressures of the pandemic. Always had a happy soul and was fun to be around. Rest well Sir.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.still shocked by the news and cannot believe he’s gone. my thoughts go out to his family and everyone who knew him. he was the best headteacher there ever was and NRA won’t be the same without him. rest easy mr gibbs 💔
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Wonderful teacher Such tragic news , thoughts to his family at such sad time 😞
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.An amazing person, teacher and headteacher, and so loved by everyone at Rickstones. Your laughter, joy and care, for both the school and all within it was immense, and you will be so missed by us all. Thank you for everything you have done for us Sir - we couldn't have done it without you.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Mr. Gibbs was one of my first tutors in Secondary School when I was 13, and then my maths teacher until I left school. I will always remember how he was both such a professional and fun teacher. I remember him telling a story about how he once got lost in the jungle and showing the class how he could do a backflip! I can honestly say he was one of the best teachers I had, and I thoroughly enjoyed every lesson I had with him. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Sir.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Simon, you were a true gentleman and someone I have been deeply honoured to know and work closely with. You touched so many lives and lived a life of integrity and positivity. My strength and thoughts are with your wife and children and I know yours are too.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.What can I say. You are going to be so very sorely missed. Who else would let the naughty elf (aka me lol) make a total mess of your office. Sending lots of love and hugs to your lovely family and friends. Rest easy x x
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.What an amazing maths teacher, he taught me the whole way through Maltings and was so caring he always stopped to talked when I see him around to find out how I was getting on since finishing school. What an amazing and caring man who will be deeply missed! This is so sad for everyone, thinking of his family at this tough time. Rest peacefully Mr Gibbs x
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Mr Gibbs was an amazing headteacher, he cared about every single one of his students and tried to help in any way possible, he will be missed very dearly and we send condolences to his family at this terrible time.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.My thoughts are with Simon Gibbs family, friends, colleagues, and students at this sad time. My daughter Rae was so upset after hearing of his sad passing and will always credit him for her success in her Maths exam. Lots of love
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.He was a very kind soul and believed in all his students. He taught me throughout my secondary school experience and will definitely be missed.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.He was a very nice man. He made me star of the lesson in Maths in January. I enjoyed playing the games in class. I shall miss him very much. Alex Barker year 7
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.such devastating news, you really was one of the best will forever be grateful for the support you gave me throughout my years at NRA the laughs we had together will always be cherished by me, rest easy mr gibbs ❤️
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Rest in peace Mr Gibbs thank you been amazing teacher to me will miss you forever been out hearts and memories. Will never forget you
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.You will be missed sir rip
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Mr Gibbs was one of the best teachers at New Rickstones, definitely made my time there very special. Always looked out for everybody and never failed to make us all laugh, such an amazing person. Rest in peace, thinking of his family and friends in this awful time.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.So sorry to hear the sad news about Simon, a dedicated professional who will be sorely missed
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Simon was genuinely the kindest person we knew. He helped all three of our children with their Maths GSCE's , they went on to achieve great results which is a testament to him as to his incredible teacher and role model. Our sincerest condolences to his family. He was one of a kind.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Such sad news to hear about one of my old teachers. He was such a great teacher. Sending love to all his loved ones
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Mr Gibbs will be sadly missed by all that knew him, I remembering seeing him quite a lot when passing to drop my daughter off to primary school, and now she attends NRA and spoke highly of him, my thoughts go out to his family, friends, teachers & students at NRA. Rest easy
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.A teacher who treated every single student like his own. A standout teacher, and a standout human, you will never be forgotten Sir.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Mr Gibbs you were truly the kindest and purest heart, thank you for believing in me when no other teachers did. Rest in peace💔
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.As both a parent of students at NRA and an employee, it won’t quite feel the same without your presence. RIP Mr Gibbs 🤍
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Truly a kind soul, he would always make time to check up on me in school as well as outside of school. A man I will never forget.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Simon, I remember the very first I met you when I interviewed you for 2nd in Maths at Maltings. You were an absolute pleasure to work with, your energy and passion always shined through. You were the nicest guy and fully deserved every promotion to your last one as Principal. It was only last week that you reached out about seeing an ex student and how he turned out so well. You were an outstanding leader; dad and husband and you will be truly missed.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Mr Gibbs was an unforgettable teacher who worked above and beyond to help all his students. He made everyone laugh and was such a lovely person to be around. As a person who hated maths Mr Gibbs made me excited to come to his classes. Rest in Peace, he truly will be missed
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Such tragic news. Worked for him and my children had them as their headteacher. Such a selfless and dedicated man who put the students and the community at the forefront of everything . He will leave a huge void . RIP Simon
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.He was an amazing teacher, man and mentor, he will be greatly missed but also remembered. Our condolences are with his family and friends , rest easy Gibbo💙
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.You were the most amazing teacher. You changed the way I looked at school and you were always fun to be around. We had a fun game of calling eachother by the wrong names, you even signed my shirt on my last day as ‘Good Luck Tanya’. You are already sorely missed by so many of us, rest in peace 🤍
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Mr Gibbs, Losing you is a massive loss to NRA and the wider community who will miss out on the opportunity to be taught by someone who was born to teach. Your kindness, inclusion and zest for bringing the best out in the children was infectious. You made such a difference to Freya throughout her career at NRA and to Rhys during the short months you taught him in year 7. You were admired and will be remembered fondly by many. We miss you already. Louise Gowland & Family. X
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Such an inspiring teacher, thank you for teaching my children. Such a tragic loss
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Mr Gibbs taught me throughout my whole time at New Rickstones Academy. He was an amazing man and the way he cared for his students meant that he was so much more than just a teacher to us. If it wasn’t for him, and his encouragement, I don’t think I’d be in university now. I will forever be grateful for everything he did for me throughout my time at New Rickstones. I am honoured that I got to be a student of his for as long as I was. Rest in peace Mr Gibbs ♥️
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Mr Gibbs, was an absolute lovely man. A brilliant head, who had a genuine passion and love for NRA and its pupils. We, as a family were very shocked and saddened to hear this tragic news and we send our condolences, to his family, friends and colleagues.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Heartbreaking news . He was a fantastic teacher and a lovely man. Our thoughts are with his family,friends and all that knew him at this sad time x
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.So shocked and saddened with the news of your passing. Thank you for being a kind, caring and compassionate Headteacher. A true ambassador for NRA, for learning, and a brilliant leader too. So well respected and liked by all who you helped. As a family we are thankful to have known you, and wish to send our deepest sympathies and most heartfelt condolences to your family at this heartbreaking time.x
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Rest in peace Mr Gibbs. You were such a lovely man, always smiling and helpful. You made a positive impact on many lives! My son is very sad to hear of your passing too aswell as family members who used to be at your school. Very sad times and condolences to all . From the Peacheys xx
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Mr Gibbs, You were always a kind, caring and dedicated Maths teacher and also an excellent head teacher. You will be sadly missed by all Jake Williams Class of '23
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Rest in peace Mr Gibbs, such a great teacher and a good man.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Amazing teacher, always thought of the children and even the parents. My heart goes out to everyone who he left behind.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.As a past student of Mr Gibbs, I remember how he would always go out of his way to make his lessons enjoyable, interactive and understandable. If it wasn’t for Mr Gibbs and the support he gave I would not have passed my maths GCSE. Thank you for everything Mr Gibbs, rest peacefully. I hope your loved ones find solace in the memories they hold with you.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Such a heart wrenching school run this morning to New Rickstones Academy seeing students buying flowers for Mr Gibbs on way to school The teachers & staff standing outside waiting for students The amount of flowers outside the school such a shock I wonder if Mr Gibbs realised how much his students thought of him even if they didn’t always show it He will be truly missed More so year 11 have their GCSE coming up so it’s going to be harder now mentally Come on kids give it your best to make your last few months at New Rickstones Academy do it in memory of your head master Mr Gibbs 💔 Truly a amazing leader his passion for teaching My thoughts are with Simon Gibbs family friends students & colleagues gone to soon
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.May you rest in peace Mr Gibbs. You were a wonderful teacher to many, including my son. My thoughts are with all your family and those who knew you.
Leave your messages of condolence or tribute to Mr Gibbs here.Thank you for making NRA what it is and stands for. Your leadership and passion for NRA will be sorely missed by us. Deepest condolences to all whose lives you made an impression on. The Magee family.
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