An inspirational and award winning former headteacher who helped to turn around the fortunes of a Blackburn school has died.

Gaynor Stubbs took up her role as head of Wensley Fold Church of England Primary Academy, Blackburn in January 1998 and retired 18 years later in 2016.

Her family said Gaynor died peacefully at home, aged 68 on Monday (August 28) due to a short illness following glioblastoma, which is an aggressive form of brain tumour.

A family statement read: “Gaynor was a beloved mother, nainie, sister and friend to so many.

"She lived her life to the absolute fullest and was the life and soul of every party. She looked at life as a glass half full, right up until her final days, continuing to inspire those around her.

“She will be missed dearly but she will forever be in the hearts of everyone she touched."

A statement from Wensley Fold CE Primary Academy said: “We were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Gaynor. 

“She is very fondly remembered by many at the school and will be greatly missed. We still recognise the importance and impact she had on the Wensley Fold community and school.

"Our love, thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this sad time.”

Gaynor started teaching in 1976 and took up her first role at St Thomas’ in Blackburn and then went on to become Deputy Head Teacher at Lostock Hall Primary School. She would later move on Wensley Fold in the late 1990s.

When she began at the school it was in special measures but in 2010 it was classed as Outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.

Under her leadership the school went from a one form to a two form entry school, was extensively redeveloped and became an academy.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Gaynor Stubbs is pictured here with pupils as she retired in her role as headteacher in 2016

Wensley Fold one of the most distinctive primary schools in the borough, in that it is set within its own woodland area.

In 2013, following an extension the school could boast three buildings all constructed in three different centuries.

Speaking in 2016, she said: “I believe that the school is unique. Sometimes it’s not tangible but so many people who visit, comment on a ‘feeling’ that you have as soon as you enter the building.”

She had this message for all parents and pupils at the time: “Thank you so much for the support and wonderful memories.

“It’s been a privilege to have served the school for the past 18 years, however everything that has been achieved could not have been accomplished without the fabulous team of staff who work at the school.”

Councillor Ehsan Raja lives close to the school and his children attended Wensley Fold, where he also served as a governor.

He said: “Gaynor was wonderful with parents and the local community.

“She would also make time to speak to you and led the school through one of its most testing periods.

“I think I speak for many parents when I say she was a lovely person.”

Wensley Fold Councillor Quesir Mahmood added: "I am extremely saddened and shocked to hear about the death of Gaynor Stubbs, she was an exceptional human being, who was instrumental in the journey of many children who attend Wensley Fold Primary School, including my children.

"She was a great leader and really understood the needs of all the children who attended this school. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends."

Since retiring Gaynor had travelled and visited New Zealand, Australia, India and many parts of Europe.

The family statement adds: “Gaynor was the beloved mother of Ben and Adam, loving mother-in-law of Claire and Phoebe, devoted nainie of Elise and Max and a much-loved sister of Avril.

“A funeral service will be held at Charnock Richard Crematorium, Chorley on Monday, September 11, at 2.30pm.

“Family flowers only please. People are being asked to make donations, if desired, to The Brain Tumour Charity or Derian House c/o the Funeral Director or via the following link www.gaynorstubbs.muchloved.com (please gift aid if possible).

“All enquiries to Messrs B. Livesey Ltd on 01257 262602.”

More than £100 has already been raised and people have paid their own respects.

One said: “Mrs Stubbs was an amazing headteacher while I was at Wensley Fold. May she rest in peace.”

Another said: “You were the most amazing headteacher ever and did so much to help your students progress at Wensley Fold. RIP Mrs Stubbs.”

Mary posted: “It was an honour and a privilege to work for you. Rest in peace my beautiful lady.”