Headteacher of Battle Abbey Prep School, Bexhill, dies after losing cancer fight

Maria Maslin, head of Battle Abbey Prep School, Bexhill, passed away on Sunday, August 9, having lost her valiant fight with cancer.

In paying tribute to her, staff said she ‘set the highest standards’ for staff and children.

A spokesman for the school said: “This devastating news will give rise to great sadness for many.

“Maria was a very much-loved and respected member of the whole Battle Abbey School community and will be greatly missed by staff, pupils and parents alike.”

Maria joined Battle Abbey in September 2011.

Before that she had been a senior leader in East Sussex County Council primary schools for more than 12 years and latterly held the post of executive headteacher for a local federation of schools.

The Battle Abbey School spokesman said: “She set the highest standards in all areas of school life and believed passionately in providing a truly all-round education for the children in her care. All that knew her will miss her good humour, sound judgement and common sense. The community has lost a wonderful teacher and mentor and she will be remembered very fondly by the countless pupils who have passed through her care in her many years in education.

“Our thoughts and prayers are also with her husband Chris and daughter Freya and with her extended family.

“Maria will be missed hugely by Battle Abbey School and the wider community, but we are all richer for knowing her and she leaves an amazing legacy of success, care and happy memories.”

Paying tribute, Janet Dunn, chairman of governors at Battle Abbey School, said: “Maria was a well-loved member of the Battle Abbey community whose infectious positivism and determination made her an inspirational role model.

“Maria’s commitment to the job she loved is reflected in the success of the Prep today and I shall miss her ready smile and welcome which balanced ‘the look’ she could give when things weren’t quite as they should be. Resilient until the end, rest in peace, Maria, and thank you for everything.”

David Clark, Battle Abbey School headmaster, said: “Battle Abbey School has lost a wonderful member of its family following the very sad passing of Maria Maslin.

“Maria was a hugely important leader in our school and we will miss her dynamic presence, amazing pastoral care, her wise counsel and her deep love and respect for the traditions and ethos that make Battle Abbey so special.”

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