Leeds school headteacher pays tribute to 'inspirational' Anne Maguire

Headteacher at Corpus Christi Catholic College Steve Mort says Anne Maguire, who was stabbed to death at the school, was "an inspiration" to both pupils and staff

He said: "We are totally overwhelmed by the support that we've received from the local community, from our partner schools, from our colleagues across the city and, indeed, the tributes that are pouring in from across the country."

He said: "Ann Maguire was a wonderful, caring individual. She was an outstanding teacher and she was an outstanding leader.

"She'd been a cornerstone of the school community for 40 years.

"She touched the hearts of three generations of pupils."

He said: "She never gave up on pupils, even at times when they may have given up on themselves. She was always the first to look at the strengths of pupils - to find the strengths of pupils - and to encourage them to develop their god-given skills."

Mr Mort said he thought the phrase "mother to everybody" was a "very fitting tribute".

"She was an inspiration, not only to the pupils but to the staff of the school.

"She led by example."

"She was enjoying the latter end of her career although I know, to Ann, that her service to Corpus Christi was not a career. She considered it to be a vocation."

The headteacher said: "Her family are, understandably, shocked by this.

"We have spoken to some of her friends. It's going to take a long time for people to come to terms with this."

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