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Maidstone head teacher Mark Geadah of Allington Primary School dies suddenly

Floral tributes have been laid after a popular head teacher died suddenly.

Moving messages were left honouring the hard work of much-missed Mark Geadah, 43.

He had been in his post at Allington Primary School for nine years. He was found dead at his home in Beech Drive on Sunday morning, leaving a wife and children.

Head teacher Mark Geadah was found hanged at home
Head teacher Mark Geadah was found hanged at home

Tributes began flooding in overnight on Monday on social media and a site dedicated to his memory on Facebook has been joined by hundreds of people.

Now flowers have been left by parents and colleagues, who spoke of their respect for the "outstanding" head teacher.

One, from a parent, spoke directly to Mr Geadah.

It said: "Sorry to hear the news of your untimely death.

A mass of flowers have been placed at the school in tribute to head teacher Mark Geadah
A mass of flowers have been placed at the school in tribute to head teacher Mark Geadah

"I know everyone is deeply saddened by the news, and we just want to make sure that you know, when you look down on all of us from that better place, that you are in now, that you can see we are all grieving for the wonderful man, teacher, head teacher and friend that you were to all the pupils, parents and colleagues you worked with every day.

"Allington Primary School has gone from strength to strength under your leadership.

"You will be missed by everyone at the school and in the community."

Another tribute said: "We felt you deserved a thank-you after losing the best teacher ever.

Flowers have been laid at the Allington school to head teacher Mark Geadah
Flowers have been laid at the Allington school to head teacher Mark Geadah
Tributes paid to teacher Mark Geadah
Tributes paid to teacher Mark Geadah
The notice outside the school near the floral tributes
The notice outside the school near the floral tributes

"You were always there if we needed you. You were kind, caring and super duper funny."

The school is expected to reopen as planned on Thursday, September 4.

Kent County Council asked parents to share the news of Mr Geadah's death "sensitively" with their children in preparation for them returning to school.

Chairman of governors Dr Nigel Smetham described Mr Geadah as "an inspirational headteacher, respected colleague and friend".

"Our thoughts are with his widow and sons as they grieve for their loss..." - chairman of school governors, Dr Nigel Smetham

He said: "This tragic news has come as a great shock to staff and governors at Allington Primary School as I am sure it will be to parents and children at the school. Our thoughts are with his widow and sons as they grieve for their loss."

Mr Geadah joined Allington Primary School as deputy head teacher in September 2002 and became head teacher in September 2005.

Kent County Council's corporate director for education Patrick Leeson said Mr Geadah's death was a "tragic loss to the profession".

Under his leadership, Allington Primary had had two Ofsted inspections and in the most recent one in 2008 the school was rated as "outstanding".

Mr Leeson said: "Mark was a national leader of education and in this role supported other schools, including over the last year Aylesford Primary School. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues."

Kent County Council's education director Patrick Leeson
Kent County Council's education director Patrick Leeson

Many contributors on the Facebook tribute page changed their profile pictures to the school badge.

Parent Mary Farrer described him as the schools’s “Mr Incredible”, adding: “He was an amazing teacher and a fabulous head teacher. I remember on world book day, before he became head teacher, Mr Geadah dressed up as Mr Incredible.

"The children were just so excited and they all just ran towards him as he appeared in the playground.”

Victoria Conn said: “Mr Geadah was a true inspiration to all at APS and it will be impossible for him to be replaced. He will remain in the hearts of everyone who knew him, children & adults alike.”

Chloe Holmes tweeted: “Absolutely shocked. Rest in peace Mr Geadah. One of the most amazing primary school teachers.”

Amy Bland said: “RIP Mr Geadah lovely man good teacher and headmaster at Allington Primary School had great memories with him. Will never be forgotten.”

And James Samuel took to Twitter to say: “R.I.P Mr. Geadah, you will be sadly missed by everyone associated with Allington. Thank you for being such a great headmaster.”

He was so highly thought of that he was drafted in to help another school. In March he was named as joint head of Allington and Aylesford primary schools. But in a letter he pledged to parents that his new role would not affect the standard of teaching at both sites.

Allington Primary School
Allington Primary School

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Do you have any memories of Mark Geadah? Leave your tributes below.


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