A school has shut after a “valued member” of the site team died on the premises following a medical episode.
Much-loved grandad Colin Jewhurst had been part of Nexus School in Upper Haysden Lane, Tonbridge, for seven years.
Colin Jewhurst worked in the site team at Nexus School in Tonbridge. Pictured with his wife Rowena Jewhurst
Today, executive headteacher Scott Jarred, announced with “great sadness” that Colin had passed away at the school yesterday evening after a medical episode.
He said: “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.”
Colin’s wife, Rowena Jewhurst, said: “He was hard-working and an amazing husband, dad, step-dad and grandad”.
The executive headteacher explained the news had been a “significant shock” to the whole school community and a decision had been made to shut in order to allow staff time to process the news and begin to mourn.
“We will be spending time in some classes tomorrow working with students to help them understand what has happened, as many of them had very positive friendships with Colin,” he added.
Nexus School in Tonbridge. Picture: Google
Mr Jarred thanked the parents and families for their “compassion, understanding, and support at this very difficult time”.
In an initial post last night, Nexus School said it would be closing today due to exceptional and unforeseen circumstances.
In a letter to parents this morning, the school apologised for the late decision to close.
It said the school will reopen as normal tomorrow (May 13).
Nexus School, which opened in 2017, is a designated special school for pupils with profound, severe and complex needs (PSCN).