Headteacher at Merstham Park school passes away

It is with great sorrow that GLF Schools has to announce the very sad news that Martin Beard, Headteacher at Merstham Park School, passed away after a sudden illness on Friday 17 January. 

Jon Chaloner, GLF Schools' Chief Executive, said: “This has come as a terrible shock to us all. The school and the GLF Schools Trust community are heartbroken to have lost such a gifted, kind and popular headteacher who has had such a profound impact on the lives of the children and colleagues in all the schools in which he has worked. 

“Our grief is, however, secondary to Mr Beard’s wife, children, siblings and extended family and to his close friends for whom this loss is immeasurable. We extend our sincere condolences to them and they will remain uppermost in our minds in the forthcoming days and weeks.“

Kathryn Cole, Deputy Headteacher at Merstham Park School, said: “A loss such as this affects us in different ways and at different times. We explained to all students today how they will be fully supported over the coming days and weeks. We have arranged for counsellors to be available and staff will offer all the support they can.

“We have been privileged to know and work with Mr Beard and in due course we will find ways, in the short and long term, to celebrate his life and to mark his wonderful contribution to our community.  We will be opening a book of condolence and we will be providing opportunities for the students to contribute to this at school.”