It is with great sadness that The King Edward VI School announces the death of our former Headteacher, Mrs Jane Mann, aged 74.

Originally from Bedfordshire, Mann studied History at Lancaster University before completing her teaching qualification in Manchester. She began her teaching career in Bedfordshire before moving to Plumstead, where she taught in the London Borough of Bexley. During this time, she became actively involved in the Labour Party and, during the Miners’ Strike of 1984–85, opened her home to striking miners and helped organise fundraising to support their families.

After relocating to County Durham, Mann was appointed Deputy Headteacher. At a time when women in senior leadership were still rare, she founded a support network for female Deputy Headteachers. The group became a valued source of professional encouragement and endured for 35 years. A testament to her commitment to supporting others.

Mann’s first headship was in Hartlepool before she succeeded Michael Duffy as Headteacher of The King Edward VI School in 1995. A consummate professional, she held herself and those around her to the highest standards while combining high expectations with a deep belief in the transformative power of education. Mann was a vibrant, committed individual and a compassionate advocate of a holistic education for young people.  She took every opportunity to celebrate students’ achievements and her ethos was one of inclusivity. The rewards and celebration evenings she introduced continue to be an integral part of the school. As the first female Headteacher in the school’s history, she led with strength, integrity and vision until her retirement in 2007, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the school today.

Retirement marked not the end of Jane’s public service, but the beginning of a new chapter. Having lived in Alnwick for more than 30 years, she devoted herself to the local community as a Town Councillor, served on the Board at HMP Acklington,  and was also a trustee of the Children’s Trust. In 2010 she became a Trustee of Bailiffgate Museum and in 2015 was named National Museum Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her exceptional contribution in this role.

Jane will be remembered as a remarkable woman of intellect, determination and compassion, with an unwavering sense of civic duty. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to education, public service and the communities she called home and will be greatly missed.