The former principal of Ipswich Academy, Amanda Phillips, has died after suffering a fall on holiday, it has been announced.
Mrs Phillips, who was principal at the academy which is run by the Paradigm Trust, from September 2015 until January 2017, died yesterday.
A statement on Ipswich Academy’s website from David Willis, chairman of the Paradigm Trust board, said: “It is with tremendous sadness that I have to tell you that Amanda died yesterday.
“While on holiday in France earlier this week, Amanda suffered a fall incurring serious head injuries which proved fatal.
“I know I speak for us all when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with her husband and family.”
• How Amanda Phillips set Ipswich Academy back on the right course
Mrs Phillips, who had been made a CBE, was the chief executive of Paradigm Trust which runs five school academies across the country, including Murrayfield Primary School in Nacton Road, Ipswich, of which she was the acting principal.
Mr Willis added: “Amanda’s death is a dreadful tragedy.
“She led Paradigm Trust with enormous energy, tremendous skill and most of all an enduring passion to give every child an outstanding education.
“She will be missed so much by everyone and we understand you will have questions – many of which we will not be able to answer yet.
“We are working on contingency plans and further news will be published in the Paradigm Trust website as it is available.”
Mrs Phillips, 62, was a trustee of the Inspiration Trust between August 2012 and June 2014.
Dame Rachel de Souza, Inspiration Trust chief executive, said: “Amanda was one of our founding trustees and her educational expertise was formative in our approach to our very first academies, particularly Great Yarmouth Primary and Norwich Primary.
“She was a dedicated teacher with many valuable years of experience, and it was wonderful to see her contribution - particularly in East London - recognised in 2015 when she was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
“She remained a good friend to the Inspiration Trust and we have been pleased to see her supporting education in our region with Paradigm’s sponsorship of two academies in Ipswich.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here