Coventry: Beloved principal remembered as school raises thousands for charity

Kevin Shakespeare

Staff and pupils at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School in Coventry have paid tribute to their much-loved headteacher, Kevin Shakespeare.

Kevin, who served as principal at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School from 2014 to 2019 before taking up the role at Corpus Christi in Ernesford Grange, passed away from cancer in March aged 51.

Colleagues at the Romero Catholic Academy, of which both schools are part, said he would be remembered with deep affection for his kindness, humour, and unwavering commitment to the schools and communities he served.

In his memory, the school community raised over £4,000 for The Myton Hospices by taking part in the Myton Moonlight Walk at Warwick Castle earlier this month - which raises funds to help patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

In tribute, Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School is inviting donations of flowering bulbs to be planted around the school grounds - creating a living memorial which reflects Kevin's love of the outdoors and lasting impact on the school.

In a message to the school community, staff said: "As we mourn the loss of our much-loved Mr Shakespeare, we thank God for blessing us with such an inspirational leader who held our children, staff and families at the heart of everything he did.

"As the principal of Corpus Christi, Kevin was a beacon of faith, wisdom, and compassion. His dedication to nurturing young minds and establishing a community of faith rooted in Catholic values will forever be remembered, both at Corpus Christi and at SS Peter and Paul.

"We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from our community. It has been clear from the condolences we have received just how valued Mr Shakespeare's contribution to this community was, and how loved and respected he is - not only here, but across the city and within education."

A message from the Archbishop of Birmingham Bernard Longley was among the many shared with the school.

He said: "I shall keep you and the whole school community in my prayers over the coming days, and I shall offer Holy Mass for Mr Shakespeare's eternal joy among the blessed and for the comfort and strengthening of his family and friends."

Andy McConville, Interim Executive Principal at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School, said: "It was a wonderful event and a lovely way for our incredible Corpus Christi team to celebrate the life of a wonderful man who was taken far too young from us.

"We hope that the funds raised will help benefit families in similar situations and that Kevin's wife Sally and children Hollie, Chloe and Jack will in time receive the expert bereavement support that Myton are able to give as a result of events like this.

"Thank you to everyone who contributed to such a magnificent amount."

Elaine Cakebread, Vice Principal at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School, said: "Kevin always called the school community his 'Corpus family' so the opportunity to come together in solidarity seemed very fitting and a was a true testament to how loved and respected he was among the children, staff and families across the Romero Catholic Academy.

"Kevin was a real advocate for those who are vulnerable or facing challenges and we are incredibly grateful for all those who donated in his memory or walked alongside us in order to bring comfort to those near the end of their own cancer journey as well as to support those who have been bereaved."

Hundreds of current and former staff members and pupils have also shared their memories on social media.

Donations to the school's fundraising page in support of The Myton Hospices can still be made online by visiting www.justgiving.com/page/mrshakespeare