Family and friends of a primary school teacher who died suddenly at Christmas will remember her as a shining star who was passionate about achieving the best outcomes for all her pupils.

Joanne White, 40, died at her home in Church Street, Walmer, on December 23 – just days before she was due to begin her dream job as head teacher at specialist school Learning Opportunities in Ringwould. The cause of her death is so far unknown.

The mum-of-two to Max, 16, and Ollie, 12, had worked her way up from a class teacher to assistant head in just eight years at Green Park Community Primary School in Dover, leaving at the end of last term.

Her husband of 17 years, John White, 42, said: “She was passionate about teaching.

“She was really looking forward to a new challenge at Learning Opportunities. She was really chuffed she’d managed to get it.

“She had worked her way up at Green Park and when she saw the opportunity, she decided to grab it with both hands and go for it.”

The former Dover Grammar School for Girls pupil had completed her teaching training at Canterbury Christ Church University while pregnant with her second child.

Mr White said: “Despite being pregnant with Ollie, she just got on with it. The easiest thing would have been to give up but she didn’t.”

She went on to teach every single year group in the school, excluding Reception.

Head teacher at Green Park, Richard Hawkins, said: “The staff, children and parents of Green Park are devastated at the loss of Jo White.

“Jo was a shining star at the school, having been part of the team from its first day. She rose from class teacher to assistant head in the eight years she was here and was one of the driving forces behind the success of the school.

“She was preparing to take on her first headship in January. She will be deeply missed by all of us, who knew her not only as a teacher but also as a great friend.”

The school will hold a special celebration of Jo’s life for the children and staff on Friday, January 20.

Lesley Buss, proprietor and school development manager at Learning Opportunities in Ringwould, said: “We were immensely excited and looking forward to Jo joining us as head teacher.

“Whilst having only known Jo for a short period of time, it was hugely apparent that both students and staff would have benefited from the wealth of knowledge and skills she had developed over the years of working with pupils at Green Park.

“Jo was clearly passionate about achieving the best outcomes for all students and worked tirelessly to meet the high standards she set herself.

“Her passion, personality and commitment would have been instrumental in inspiring us all, and in further developing Learning Opportunities. She will be greatly missed by us all.”

Outside of the classroom, Mrs White was a proud mum who would stand on the sidelines to support her sons at rugby matches.

She also helped set up a Christmas party for children at the Deal, Betteshanger & Walmer Rugby Sports and Social Club.

“The staff, children and parents of Green Park are devastated at the loss of Jo White" - head teacher Richard Hawkins

Mr White added: “She was very caring and selfless.

“She always made sure we were OK, especially the boys, and words cannot describe how much we’ll miss her.”

He says he and his family will treasure fond memories of a dream trip to Australia in August 2016, as well as long family walks with their pet Gilbert.

• Mrs White’s funeral will be held at Barham Crematorium on Wednesday, January 18 at 2.40pm, followed by a gathering at Deal and Betteshanger Rugby Club in Canada Road, Deal.