School in mourning after beloved Rotherham headteacher Rachael Booth dies from heart attack

A school is in mourning after the death of its beloved headteacher was announced.

Mrs Rachael Booth, headteacher of the Willows School in Thurcroft, suffered a heart attack while she was at the school on October 14.

It was announced on Tuesday evening that she had passed away.

The school will now remain closed for the rest of this week and will reopen on Monday, November 2.

Warren Carratt, chief executive officer of Nexus MAT, said in a statement on the school website: “Dear families, it is with a heavy heart that I am writing to inform you that our beautiful headteacher, Rachael Booth, passed away earlier today [Tuesday].

“This is devasting news for our school community, and The Willows will now be closed for the rest of this week, whilst our staff team come to terms with this tragedy.

“I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, and I hope you understand why we have taken this difficult decision.

“School will re-open for pupils on Monday 2 November 2026, as normal.

“School staff fought so hard to resuscitate Rachael last week, and it is because of their actions that Rachael’s family and friends were able to be with her during her final days.

“Rachael had a deep and devout faith, and her strong belief was that there is a better plane of existence beyond the confines of this world. If that’s true, then that place has become immeasurably better for welcoming Rachael Booth into it.”

He added: “There will be a time when all of those who love Rachael will be able to celebrate her life and the immeasurable difference she made for children and families, in a career of public service where she touched thousands of lives, changing them for the better.

“Thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do for The Willows. The school community will come together, when the time is right to celebrate everything that Rachael Booth brought to this world, and especially to the children, families and staff of The Willows School, in her service as our energetic, compassionate and inspirational headteacher.”

Tributes have been paid shared online to Mrs Booth.

Theresa Miall said: “Sending condolences to Rachael's family, friends, the whole school community. RIP Rachael, you are home with the Father, may he surround those who love you with his support and love in the days, weeks and months ahead.”

Bu Lisa wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking. What a wonder woman!!! Love and prayers to your beautiful boys and husband. I will be forever grateful for the skills you taught me, I know I wouldn't be where I am today without your support and encouragement. Sending my best wishes to all my ex colleagues at The Willows, I believe you will all carry on creating Rachael’s vision for one of the most incredible schools out there today.”

Karen Michelle Norris said: “Such a wonderful, inspiring teacher, always a smile and words of encouragement to all who were lucky enough to know her, thinking of all her family, friends, colleagues and pupils.

“RIP and fly high Mrs Booth xxx”

Jo Laidlaw wrote: “Incredibly sad to hear this, sending all my love to the family. Rachel was a beautiful woman inside and out.”

Coral Ann Bennett said: “Rest In Paradise Rachael. All the memories of you helping out at my old youth club etc will forever be remembered and you be missed many. Condolences to your family and loved ones Rach. Go be with the angels and be at peace.”

Margaret Kemp posted: “Thoughts go out to all the family and friends.”

Geoff Wilcock paid a personal tribute saying: “RIP Rachael - you shaped my grandsons Lucas and Daniel into fine young men.”

Alan Maddocks said: “RIP Rachael. You will be sadly missed by so many people. Condolences to her family.”

Eaniqa Khan paid tribute saying: “Such terrible and tragic news. May she RIP and be in Heaven. Amen.”

Emma-Jane Gammon posted: “What a teacher and what a woman! I’m deeply saddened. My thoughts go out to her family x”

Diane Tingle said: “Very sad. A much loved and respected teacher at Valley in Worksop. My two children loved her.”

Rebecca Whitford commented online: “Such sad news xx”

Bev Herbert said: “Bless her. RIP. Beautiful lady, so sad x”

Gemma Hopkinson in a personal tribute said: “Fly high miss! I hope you know how many lives you touched!”

Jo Clamp posted: “Sending love.”

Laura Lindley shared: “Heartbreakingly sad. RIP lovely lady. Thoughts and prayers with your family at this devastating time.”

Andrew Sheldon paid tribute saying: “R.I.P loved talking to you every morning Andy MRG.”

Karen Black said: “Sending love to all that knew her, to the family and friends and all the pupils I'm thinking of all of you.”

Awais Bangyal posted: “Rest in peace.”

Hannah Charlotte's personal tribute read: “Rest in peace. You were the best teacher to ever step foot in Valley School and so loved by all students. Sending love and condolences to your family. Rest In Peace Mrs Booth xxxx”

Kelly James said: “This is so so sad. Rest in peace sweetheart. Thoughts and prayers for her family and friends.”

Victoria Read commented: “This is so terribly sad. I didn't know this inspirational lady but I was so hoping that she would make a full recovery.”

Carol Wilkinson said: “God bless her. RIP. Condolences to her family and friends.”

Claire Walton posted: “So very sorry to hear this. I had hoped that she would pull through. “Sending love to her family and school family at this sad time.”

Carol Harrap said: “God bless xxx”

Ricky Ludlam posted: “Spent many hours with Rach. Very strong woman. Feel for the family. RIP.”

David Clarry said: “No! Can't be true. That's so sad. All my thoughts to all concerned: family, school and friends. Truly a lovely colleague. My prayer to all.”

Anna Baines said: “RIP Rachael was a lovely lady and a great teacher xx”

Zoe Fretwell shared: “Such sad news RIP. Big hugs to all her family, college and pupils xx”

Anna Baines commented: “RIP Rachael was a lovely lady and a great teacher xx”

In a personal tribute Sarah Merrick said: “What a gorgeous women and fabulous teacher, she gave so much to others. Thoughts and love with her family at this difficult time. Xx”

Steve Marples posted: “R.I.P. Rachel xxx”

Nicola Threlkeld shared: “Such sad news, a truly beautiful person who has touched so many lives and will be missed x”

Ellen Parkin said: “She was such a lovely woman - my condolences to her family at this sad time.”

A personal tribute from Codie Colton read: “Such heartbreaking news. One of the best teachers ever at Valley. Sending my love to all who knew and loved her and her friends and family xx”

Karen Edeson said: “RIP Rachael - thinking of your family at this sad time.”

Paul Robinson shared: “Wonderful amazing person. RIP.”

Helen Oliver commented: “Heaven has gained a true angel! What a legend. Always a smile and full of positivity. Ride high on those wings. Thoughts are with all of her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”

Ben Pemberton said: “Rest in peace. Great teacher at Valley.”

Vic Krystal Gresh posted online: “Devastating news! She was a gorgeous human and teacher! I remember her well from Valley during my stint 2002 – 2007! What a terrible tragedy of a lovely person. Rest in paradise! Highly thought of by so so many!”

Hannah Lee said: “Such sad news. An amazing teacher and caring human. Mrs Booth thank you! Sending love to all you loved ones, fly high beautiful xxx”