Lessons to be learned from death of a much-loved teacher

There were no warnings, but lessons need to be learned.

This was the overriding message to emerge 24 hours on from the unprecedented events that have engulfed a perfectly normal secondary school, Corpus Christi College.

A joint press conference outside the school gates tried to sustain the idea it’s business as usual for the 1,000 or so pupils and teachers inside.

But clearly it is anything but that. Police officers, council official, chair of governors, the Catholic diocese, all talked about today being dominated by support for the children and staff.

We learnt the victim 61-year-old Mrs Ann Maguire was due to retire in September as a Spanish and RE teacher.

We learnt she died from multiple stab wounds.

We learnt a classroom remains a crime scene, although all the forensic processes are finished.

We learnt there were no warnings, no hints of the 15-year-old suspect’s intentions. Police say he will be interviewed later today.

All kept stressing this was an isolated, unprecedented incident. But the director of Leeds children services, Nigel Richardson, says there will be a review – “Lessons will be learnt when the investigation is finished.”

The ever-growing trail of flowers that is beginning to circle the school railings is testament to the enormous affection and respect for Mrs Maguire.

The tributes describe her as wonderful, amazing, inspirational, “the best”. They are from not just those still at the school but many more who have left.

The school’s Steve Mort said in a statement: “The whole school remains in shock today. Ann Maguire was a much-loved member of staff.”

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