A POIGNANT tribute to a school’s former headteacher has been unveiled by pupils and staff.

A new learning pod has been built in the grounds of Huntington Primary Academy, in York, in memory of Ann McKeown, 56, who ran the Garth Road school for a decade before she died suddenly and unexpectedly in July last year.

Kim Bailey, the school’s current boss, said the pod had been a dream of Mrs McKeown’s before her untimely death.

“She wanted this and would have loved it,” Mrs Bailey said.

“It was her dream to have it, so we felt it was a fitting memorial to her.

“We have created a small library area to allow children on their lunch the opportunity to read quietly.

“We will also use it as a place for small group learning.

“It’s created another learning space for us because we are always looking for somewhere else we can take children to enhance their learning.”

Mrs McKeown had been headteacher at Huntington Primary since 2006 and was headteacher at Carr Infants School in Acomb for nine years before that.

In tributes paid during her funeral at St James’ Church in Rawcliffe, near Goole, she was described as a “phenomenal woman” and someone with a “strong sense of love and duty to her fellow man.”

The school held a small service on Monday to unveil the memorial.

A variety of colourful balloons were released by pupils, and the school choir sang Reach for the Stars by S Club 7.

A plaque was also unveiled and the youngest and oldest pupils at the school helped to release balloons.

The plaque read: “In memory of Miss McKeown. Reach for the Stars.”

“We wanted it to be a joyous occasion,” added Mrs Bailey.

“She was a very vibrant person and loved bright colours.

“It all went perfectly and even the people delivering the balloons said it was the right kind of wind to help them travel.”