It is with deep sadness that we are letting you know that a very well loved student in Year 11, Jake Whiteside, died yesterday following his battle with cancer.  

Jake was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year. Jake died peacefully at home yesterday morning, and not in pain.

Lots of us knew Jake very well and he was an extremely popular student, loved by both students and staff. This was clearly shown by the amount raised for ‘Wipe Away Those Tears’ at the recent head shave event by Jake’s close friends that many students attended. Many will have known him for his great sense of humour and fun ways. There will be many members of staff and students who are deeply affected by this great loss and we need to support each other at this time. 

We have additional support in school from the Essex Educational Psychologists team today and if any parents or carers wish to contact them for advice, then please do. We have also included some advice for helping your children deal with grief in the documents that can be downloaded below.

Jake will be hugely missed by his family, friends and teachers and will be remembered very fondly by all who knew him.

Our love, thoughts and prayers are with Jake’s family and friends at this very difficult time.