It is with great sadness that I pass on news of the death, through illness, of one of our Gatton community.
 
Carol Atkins, a Senior Learning Coach and an integral part of the Junior School team, had been off sick for some time. We received news this weekend that Carol had died.
 
Many past and present pupils were supported by Carol and she will be missed greatly by them and all the staff she worked alongside. Dr Ines Salman, the previous Head of the Junior School who left last July says this:
 
“Carol had a tremendous impact on the junior children’s education and wellbeing, especially those she worked with as their special needs teacher. She also was a key support to the staff in the classroom. 
 
Carol always had a smile on her face and the warmest ways with children, they responded to her and were motivated to improve themselves. Loved by teachers and staff as she always had a sense of humour to see the funny side of life! 
 
The junior school and boarding staff feels honoured to have met her and worked with her over the last 20 years. She will be forever in our hearts! Rest in peace beautiful lady!” 
 
We have conveyed our heartfelt condolences as a school to Carol’s family, along with flowers sent with the following message: ‘So sorry to hear the news. Carol was such a positive influence on so many young lives and will always be remembered for her smile and sense of humour. With deepest sympathy from her friends and the children at RAA.’
 
I’m sure that our thoughts at this time will be very much for Carol’s family and friends, here at school included, who knew her well.

Mark Dixon
Headmaster