Leaders from the schools sector have paid tribute to the Queen, who passed away this afternoon.
Queen Elizabeth II was the nation’s longest-reigning monarch, serving as head of state for more than 70 years. She was 96 years old.
This evening, Buckingham Palace announced that she had died earlier today.
In a statement, the Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Commenting on the news, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “The Queen’s dedication to public service has been an inspiration to children and adults alike over the past 70 years.
“We are deeply saddened by her death. She will be hugely missed by the nation, including all those in the world of education, where many people will have fond memories of the [Platinum] Jubilee and other royal events during her reign.
“Through her dignity and unswerving sense of duty, the Queen has set an extraordinary example to us all, and she has been a reassuring presence through many turbulent times. We pay tribute to her and we send our deepest sympathies to her family.”
The general secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, Paul Whiteman, said: “This is a terribly sad time for the Royal Family and the nation. Queen Elizabeth has been a constant in all of our lives. Her service to the nation cannot be underestimated and will never be forgotten.”
Education secretary Kit Malthouse has offered his condolences to the King and Royal Family on the death of the Queen.
He said: ”Throughout her long life, Her Majesty’s devotion to public service has been an inspiration, and her wisdom and strength have often provided solace to people in times of darkness, most recently during the pandemic.
“While Her Majesty’s passing is a source of profound sadness, we should also celebrate the extraordinary period in British history over which she reigned. Like so many, I feel privileged and lucky to have lived through the second Elizabethan age.
“By her grace and dignity, Her Majesty touched the lives of millions and she will live on in our hearts. Long live the King.”
‘Her dedication was unparalleled’
Leora Cruddas, chief executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, paid tribute on social media. She said: “A life in service. Our head of state, the monarch, a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family.”
The chief executive of the Chartered College of Teaching, Dame Alison Peacock, said: “So sad to hear of the passing of our wonderful Queen. What a wonderfully inspirational, warm leader. It was a total honour to meet her and to spend time with her. Bless you Ma’am.”
Sir Martyn Oliver, the chief executive of Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said: “We join the nation in mourning and express our deepest sympathies for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“Her dedication to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to her other realms and territories over the past 70 years was unparalleled and we thank her for her service.
“Our trust will observe the mourning period while continuing to support our pupils, families and staff. As a mark of respect, our academy flags will be flying at half-mast.”
Earlier on Thursday, it emerged that the Queen was under medical supervision at Balmoral.
Her accession to the throne came in 1952 and she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee - marking 70 years as monarch - this summer.
Earlier this week, she appointed the 15th British prime minister of her reign, Liz Truss.
