A Nottingham school will shut after the death of a 'long-standing, much-loved and respected' member of staff. Bulwell Academy has sent out a letter to parents and carers - and the school will close on Friday (September 16).
Nottinghamshire Live has seen a copy of the letter, sent out on Monday (August 22), which states the school will not operate on the day of the staff member's funeral.
The letter, signed off by the school principal Sarah Wildes, reads: "I am sad to announce that Darrell Woodward, a long-standing, much loved and respected member of the Academy passed away a few weeks ago - I realise many of you may already know this information being part of such a close-knit local community, but I wanted to ensure all students and thei families were informed.
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"We recognise this may be distressing news for many students and families who Darrell worked closely with over the many years he worked at the school, and as a school community we are undestandably devastated by the news. Darrell will be hugely missed by everyone."
In a statement to Nottinghamshire Live, the principal at Bulwell Academy added: "Bulwell Academy will be closed on Friday the 16th of September to allow people to attend the funeral of Darrell Woodward who was a much-loved member of the Bulwell family.
"We want to give staff and students alike the chance to pay their respects to him. Darrell was hugely popular with everyone in the school and worked closely with the inclusion team, helping some of our most vulnerable families.
"He fostered close relationships with staff and students throughout the school over the 20-plus years he worked at Bulwell. I imagine many families throughout our local community will also be grieving his unexpected passing."
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