'Dedicated' head teacher dies aged 42 from cancer

A head teacher who dedicated his career to children has left behind a "legacy of kindness" following his death, his colleague said.

Matthew Curzon, of St Mary's Church of England Foundation Primary School in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, passed away aged 42 on Saturday, from cancer.

Curzon, who lived in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, had worked at the school for 15 years.

The acting head teacher at the school, Kara Power, said Curzon was at the "heart of our St Mary's family".

"He dedicated his career to the children, families and staff of our school and was passionate about ensuring every child felt happy, valued and supported.

"Children's wellbeing was always his priority, and he believed wholeheartedly that school should be a place where every child could thrive."

She said he touched the lives of "countless children and their families" during his time at the school.

Power fondly recalled his time "playing trains" with the younger children and his lessons teaching computing.

"[He] leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion and unwavering commitment to the children," she added.

"We will remember him not only as an exceptional leader, but also as a kind, caring and dedicated individual who gave so much of himself to the school he loved."

Curzon, who grew up in west London, had also worked at Great Bardfield Primary School near Braintree, Essex.

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