Gill Carey, the headmistress of Northern House Special School in Summertown, was one of the city’s gems.

Staff and pupils at the school are currently mourning her death after a long battle with cancer.

Mrs Carey won the headteacher of the year award for the South of England earlier this year and was due to feature in the national final next month.

It is clear she deserved praise. Under her guidance the South Parade school, which is for youngsters with severe behavioural problems, scored top marks from school inspectors.

According to close colleagues, her commitment never wavered, even when her illness was starting to take its toll.