TRIBUTES have been paid to an inspirational and much-loved York head teacher who has died of cancer.

Carol Weston, who was 50, was the head of Knavesmire Primary School in South Bank for nine years, and was credited with leading the popular school to outstanding success. The mother-of-one was diagnosed with cancer at the start of the year and died on Monday.

Pete Dwyer, director of education at the City of York Council, said: “Carol was an exemplary headteacher who was loved by pupils, staff and parents alike. She was highly respected throughout the city and was an outstanding head teacher who, during her nine years at Knavesmire, brought success to her school and joy to the lives of her pupils. Our thoughts are with her family and colleagues at this very sad time.”

Mrs Weston, who lived in Pocklington with her grown-up son, Richard, was previously a headteacher at Bubwith Primary School in East Yorkshire.

Children at Knavesmire Primary School were told of Mrs Weston’s death in a special assembly yesterday morning which was followed by smaller meetings with class teachers.

The council’s education department is consulting with the school and further support will be offered as required, a council spokeswoman said.

School governor Coun Sandy Fraser said: “The governors were aware of Carol’s illness but, with Carol having attended recent meetings, this news came as a shock as we were hoping to see her back at the school in the near future.

“Her excellent contribution over the years has been valued by all involved with the school and the school’s popularity is obvious from the level of oversubscription in recent years”. Bill Schofield, the chairman of governors at the school, said: “Carol was an inspiration to pupils and staff.

“She will be greatly missed by the whole school community. ”

Under Mrs Weston’s leadership, Knavesmire Primary School has been recognised as one of the best in the country.

In 2007, the Trafalgar Street school was rated as outstanding by Ofsted, which noted the expert leadership of the school, and the following year it was singled out for praise in Ofsted’s annual report.

Heather Forse, of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: “A strong and inspirational leader can transform the fortunes of a school for its pupils and it’s clear that Carol Weston was such a leader.

“She is not just a loss to her school but to the profession as a whole.” Micklegate ward councillors Julie Gunnell and Dave Merrett expressed their sadness at the news. Coun Merrett said: “I worked with Carol previously as shadow children’s services spokesperson, and on local planning-related issues, and this is a real loss to pupils, parents and the wider community too.”