STAFF and pupils at The Wordsley School have been left devastated at the sudden death of a popular teacher.

The school in Brierley Hill Road was closed for the day yesterday after the shock news of the death of head of science Andy Blunt, who passed away unexpectedly on Monday November 14.

Gareth Burton, headteacher at The Wordsley School, said: “We are all devastated at the sudden death of one of our teachers, and our thoughts are very much with their family at this time.

“Parents of pupils at the school have been communicated with and they are aware of the arrangements in place to support their child throughout the remainder of this week and beyond."

Mr Blunt joined The Wordsley School in September 2011 as a newly qualified teacher and having worked his way through the ranks he was appointed as head of science in 2019.

In a statement issued today, headteacher Mr Burton described Mr Blunt as "Wordsley through and through, a teacher, a leader, esteemed colleague and a trusted and dear friend."

He added: “Andy was absolutely selfless and always put the needs of others before his own. It is incomprehensible to think that Andy will no longer be a part of our world and without doubt, our world is a poorer place without him to share it with.

“This tragic and sudden loss is devastating for our team of staff, who worked so closely with Andy; a man who devoted his entire professional career to supporting those around him. I cannot begin to explain the sadness that is felt by staff at the school, nor the void that has been left by Andy’s sudden death. I am equally mindful of our pupils. Andy was a highly respected teacher of science who made it his mission to deliver exciting and inspiring lessons to our pupils. I am under no illusion that the pain and sadness that is felt by staff at the school will also be mirrored amongst our pupils. “They too will need our care and support in the days, weeks and months to come.”

The school opened from 10am to 2pm today (Wednesday) and is expected to reopen as usual tomorrow (Thursday November 17).

Mr Burton said: “A book of condolence will be available for people to sign and leave a comment, and a tree at the front of school has been identified as a place where people can leave flowers, cards or other significant items of remembrance, should they wish to.

“Our thoughts are with Kerry and Andy’s family, who are understandably struggling to find any sense of their loss.”