Headteacher Darren Webb, who died suddenly, secured national attention for Loose Primary School
09:45, 10 March 2020
updated: 13:55, 10 March 2020
An 'inspirational' head teacher who died after suffering a heart attack had come to the attention of parliament for his work transforming a school from being on the verge of special measures to outstanding.
Darren Webb, executive head of the Coppice Primary Partnership which runs Loose and Coxheath primary schools in Maidstone, and St Katherine's in Snodland, died yesterday afternoon.
A message home to parents last night informed them of the tragedy. Mr Webb was 45.
Chair of trustees, Carole Hardy, wrote: "Darren was a charismatic and inspirational leader, whose values led us all to work towards the best outcomes for all children in our Trust.
"I know Darren would wish us all to continue to offer the best for all the children and we strive to deliver his vision and uphold his ethos and values."
She added: "He was visionary, charismatic and someone who always put the children first.
"The suddenness make it very difficult and we're all just trying to come to terms with it at the moment.
"We are very grateful for the support of parents and contributions they have made on his accolades, and have nothing but admiration for the professionalism of the teachers and school staff who are trying their best at this difficult time."
Mr Webb enjoyed a successful career, with 2017-18 being highlights. He was first appointed head at Loose Primary in 2014.
In 2017 he was crowned Top Head Teacher at the Kent Teacher of the Year of the Year awards.
Also that year Mr Webb became executive head of Coxheath Primary School, alongside his stewardship of Loose Primary.
He was given the enhanced role after he led Loose to an outstanding Ofsted rating in late 2016.
His work meant Loose Primary School was held up as being a shining example to UK policy makers.
Children and teachers found themselves featured in The Parliamentary Review of Primary Education issued to lords and MPs at Westminster after the summer recess in 2018.
Three pages in the 52-page report, prepared by Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett, detailed the measures head teacher Darren Webb introduced after his appointment in 2014 to transform the Loose Road school from being on the verge of special measures to officially classed by Ofsted as outstanding.
Coxheath Primary had been graded as requiring improvement in 2013 and 2014, by Ofsted, but staff went on to get a good rating in 2015. It converted to an academy in 2018.
Speaking just after becoming executive head of both schools, he revealed he saw benefits of schools working together, such as sharing experiences and best practice.
He also hoped to see the schools' pupil councils working together.
He said: “It is a real pleasure working with the children, parents, staff and governors.
“The children are truly delightful and we are stunned by the rapid progress that many of them are already making.
“We have so many exciting plans and are committed to involving parents more, developing an inspirational curriculum and creating an outstanding school that everyone within the local community can be truly proud of.”
Previous to this, Mr Webb was headteacher at West Malling CofE Primary School for five years, before moving on to Loose.
Tributes have flooded in for Mr Webb since his death.
Nicola Freeman from Maidstone said: "He was an amazing person, headteacher and leader. He strived for the best and continuously went above and beyond on a daily basis.
"He was always visible and so kind and caring and the children absolutely adored him. It honestly won't be the same without him. He has left a void that's impossible to fill and my heart goes out to his wife and children."
Maria Martin said: "Such sad news Mr Webb was an amazing headteacher that achieved so much, he will be deeply missed.
"My children were so upset by this news they totally respected him. Thinking of his family at this sad time."
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