Emma was a such an enormous presence in our lives. We started our Headships together as the GSA Class of 2016 and I remember so well her words of support and encouragement in those earlier years. From then on she was always there for all of us and my rock.  Alongside her wisdom, she also had such a sense of fun and a knack for making me laugh even in the trickiest of times!  Emma’s succinct messages of perspective and clarity in our Head to Head Zoom ‘chats’ were legendary. She was our wonderfully vibrant, kind, caring and witty friend with a beaming smile that drew everyone to her.  An inspirational, talented and passionate colleague who made an incredible impact in the world of education. Emma and her beautiful daughter Lettie are so deeply and terribly missed.  …

I will long remember Emma’s warmth, kindness, creativity and energy – and the friendly encouragement she offered me. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; and may they rest in peace. …

Dear Emma, What fun we had together! I’ll never forget giggling with you even when I’m sure we weren’t meant to be!  You were so full of joy, laughter and your smile lit up a room as well as the faces of those around you.  You were so warm and inclusive and passionate about making sure that every girl got the very best from her education and those around her.  You were also absolutely instrumental in my joining the GDST as you pressed your card into my hand at an Awards’ dinner and said ‘call me…’.   Always there for those around you, I just wish we had been there enough for you.  We/I miss you so much.     Marina  …

Dearest Emma – our wonderful friend and our loyal supporter – always full of laughter and fun. Emma was an outstanding leader, an educational visionary and a champion for young people. GSA Class of 2016 was enriched by you in every way possible and you will be missed beyond words. May you and Lettie rest in peace. …

What an unimaginable loss to family and friends, the whole school communities of Epsom College and Croydon High and the profession of education in generally. Heartfelt sympathies. Diane Browne On behalf of all members of Adcote School. …

One of the things that I enjoyed most as GSA President in 2016 was meeting the new Heads. They completely bonded and have become a real tour de force. Emma was right at the heart  of that group and their vibrancy and sense of fun epitomises my memory of her. I always remember her making us laugh during the weekly Head to Heads when we were first dealing with the horrors of TAGS and just the whole craziness of being a Head during Covid. She was such a passionate and great person to be around. We will miss her and I send all the best to her wider family. …

Such a tragic loss for her family, friends, school communities and the sector.  Emma had still so much to give, to share and to inspire – especially her beautiful daughter Lettie.  Emma was fierce and fun.  I first met her as one of the new heads attending their induction – the ‘Class of 2016’.  They quickly became a very cohesive group, supporting each other through their careers, the ‘day job’ and as friends through the ups and downs of life.  Emma, as with her contemporaries, had a strong belief and passion in making the educational experience the best for the children in her school, its wider community and for future generations. She led with integrity, compassion, and vision – all taken too soon. My heartfelt condolences to her family and all who are grieving having lost their friend and colleague. May she rest in peace. Jane Carroll, former Membership Director, GSA …

I met Emma as one of the ‘Class of 2016’; the first-time Heads of GSA.  Open, honest, generous, enthusiastic, genuine, energetic and simply beautiful, inside and out, Emma was someone everyone instantly liked.  She was warm and kind, lovely to everyone, and I felt instantly comfortable in her presence.  In meetings, her love for what she did shone through and her schools were incredibly lucky to have her in their midst; I cannot imagine how difficult it is for all of those communities now.  My love and thoughts are with her family and friends.  I will miss Emma so much; a beautiful light has gone out.  May she rest in peace with her wonderful daughter, Lettie.  Helen x …

Thoughtful, perceptive, caring, always making a pertinent comment and foreseeing the issue just coming over the horizon.  I first ‘met’ Emma during lock-down GSA Heads’ zooms and later in person.  Though I was a lot older, we ‘clicked’ – as I am sure she did with everyone’; she was that sort of person. She quickly stood out in a field of very good Heads as one of those most likely to notice what we needed to notice; to say what needed said. A brilliant asset to Headship and a tragic loss for the future. The world of education – indeed, the world in general – is much the poorer without her.  …