A principal described as caring and diligent has died aged 48 after he fell ill at his school.

Scott Opstad, the principal of Paddock Wood Primary Academy died on Wednesday.

A statement from Leigh Academies Trust, which Paddock Wood is part of, said: "It is with enormous sadness that we must confirm that the principal of Paddock Wood Primary Academy, Scott Opstad died unexpectedly on the 17th March having been taken ill at school.

"This sad event comes as a shock to us all and understandably this is a distressing time for his colleagues and the whole school community.

"Staff and students have been provided with support in-school from our educational psychologists to help everyone come to terms with what has happened.

"As a trust we will be doing everything we can to support the Paddock Wood community over the next few weeks and months as they adjust to their loss.

"We have conveyed our deepest condolences to Mr Opstad’s family who we will support in any way we can at this most difficult time.

"Our thoughts are especially with his wife and children as they come to terms with this tragic event."

Paddock Wood Primary School converted into an academy in 2019.

A 2016 Ofsted inspection said that Mr Opstad had turned the school around since his arrival.

It read: "Your mantras of ‘keep it clear and simple’ for adults and ‘quality, quantity and perseverance’ for pupils have been taken to heart by all, and the quality of teaching and learning have improved."

It went on: "The school turnaround has involved changes at a deep level rather than quick fixes.

"Despite some difficult decisions having to be made, changes have been achieved with sensitivity."

The school had previously been inspected in 2011and given a 'good' rating.

The previous head teacher, Mike Olley, retired in 2013 and was replaced by Mr Opstad, who had been at Folkestone Academy.

My Opstad also served as executive principal of Horsmonden Primary Academy for a time, which is part of Leigh Academies Trust.

Sarah Hamilton, speaking as the Kent County Council (KCC) member for Tunbridge Wells Rural and deputy cabinet member for education and skills, said she had known Mr Opstad since his appointment.

"There will be so many special memories and I hope they give some comfort to all those who knew him and loved him."

She said: "I was horrified to learn of this absolutely tragic loss. Scott was a caring, thorough and diligent head teacher. His dedication to his work was outstanding.

"It was a pleasure to know him and it's a great loss to the profession. My thoughts are with his wife and children as well as all the children, staff and parents across the academy.

"There will be so many special memories and I hope they give some comfort to all those who knew him and loved him."

Richard Long, KCC cabinet member for education and skills, said: "I was very sad to hear of Scott's tragic and untimely death. My thoughts are with his family and the children and parents of the school."

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