The staff member “sadly passed away” at the school on Monday (May 11) evening
10:12, 12 May 2026Updated 10:12, 12 May 2026
Nexus School in Tonbridge where a much-loved staff member sadly died yesterday evening (Monday, May 11)(Image: Google Street View)
A large Kent school has shut today (Tuesday, May 12) after a “valued member” of staff died on campus yesterday evening. Scott Jarred, executive headteacher, of Nexus School in Tonbridge has made a poignant announcement, and thanked parents for their “compassion, understanding and continued support at this very difficult time”.
At 11.25pm yesterday, the foundation special school for approximately 296 pupils aged two to 19 with profound, severe and complex needs, emailed and posted on Facebook that it would have to close but would reopen on Wednesday.
And Mr Jarred was able to give further details this morning, as many parents tried to find out what had happened at the Upper Haysden Lane school, which serves families in Tonbridge and the wider Kent area.
Mr Jarred said in his email: “It is with great sadness that I share the news that Colin Jewhurst, a valued member of our site team, sadly passed away at school yesterday evening following a medical episode.
“Colin had been part of the Nexus community for over seven years and was a much-loved member of staff. He was always ready to help others, with a smile on his face, and a kind, supportive presence around the school.”
Mr Jarred apologised to parents and families about the “late decision” to close the school today. He said: “As it was not possible to inform all staff of this tragic news last night, today has understandably been a significant shock for the whole school community. We felt it was important to give staff the time and space to process this sad loss, support one another, and begin to mourn.”
Mr Jarred said staff would be spending time in some classes on Wednesday, working with students to help them understand what had happened as many of them had “very positive friendships with Colin”.
The school will reopen as usual tomorrow (Wednesday). KentLive has contacted the emergency services.
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