‘Wonderful’ Dagenham headteacher dies

Sukran Sahin, Senior Reporter Wednesday, July 11, 2012
12:19 PM

Pupils and staff at a Dagenham primary school are mourning the death of their headteacher.

Children at Five Elms Primary School, Wood Lane, were told yesterday that Helen Collins, the school’s headteacher since April 2007, has passed away.

Barking and Dagenham Council has paid tribute to the 58-year-old who started teaching in the borough in 1998.

A council spokesman said: “The sad death of Helen Collins is deeply upsetting for Five Elms School and for all of us in Barking and Dagenham.

“Helen was a wonderful headteacher, who put the children and families at her school at the front of all her decision making.

“She created a very successful school where every child was valued. She was also a great friend and colleague to many staff in schools and the local authority.

“Full of energy, Helen was always looking to see what could be done to improve educational outcomes, with a great sense of fun and determination to succeed.”

Five Elms Primary School received a ‘good’ rating in its latest Ofsted inspection. The community school accommodates 498 pupils aged three - 11.

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