A Baldock headteacher has made a heartfelt tribute to a ‘knowledgeable and passionate’ English teacher who died from cancer just before the start of term.

Jan Waite, who had been teaching at The Knights Templar School for 18 years, passed away on December 29, just two months after being diagnosed with the terminal illness.

Headteacher Tim Litchfield said: “Staff and students came together at the beginning of term last week to hear the very sad news that our valued colleague and teacher had passed away.

“Mrs Waite’s love of teaching and working with young people was such that she continued teaching many years after she could have retired.

“She taught exam classes this year as she wanted to see ‘her students’ through to the end of their courses before considering what to do next.”

Jan was remembered at an awards event at the school, and the night was dedicated to her memory.

Tim made a speech at the commemoration evening saying: “The thousands of young people who Jan touched with her knowledge and passion for English will all have a lasting memory of her which they will probably share with their grandchildren.

“The legacy and impact of our teachers can never be measured. Jan, we salute your memory.”

Jan’s dedication to inspiring young people went far beyond the Baldock classroom.

The teacher spent most of her Easter holidays volunteering in Malawi, where she worked tirelessly to develop attitudes to education and helped build school accommodation.

Tim added: “She was an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with those close to Mrs Waite at this time.”

The school plans to build a memorial garden in Mrs Waite’s name using funds raised by students.

Jan’s funeral will take place at 4.15pm on Monday, January 26, at Harwood Park Crematorium in Stevenage.

Tim added: “Everybody is warmly invited to attend the funeral and the wake at The Tudor Oaks Motel, Astwick, Stotfold.”