TRIBUTES have been paid to a former York head teacher who played a major part in shaping GCSE exams.

The Press reported the death of Irene Whittaker last week.

Miss Whittaker, 86, was head of Queen Anne Grammar School and was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1984 for her work helping to design the GCSE exam.

The Rev David Erridge, of St Stephen’s Church, in Acomb, first met Miss Whittaker when he became vicar at St Stephen’s in 2000.

He said he was amazed at how active she was, despite already being in her 70s.

Mr Erridge said: “Irene was a pastoral assistant for Acomb and helped to run the parish.

“She worked so hard, visiting lots of elderly people. A big part of her every day was spent running around and doing things for other people.”

A deeply religious person, Miss Whittaker achieved a master degree in theology and religion from York St John University in 2001/2002.

Mr Erridge said: “She was so well read, through her thorough and deep studies. Irene also enjoyed preaching, and read often at our services. Sadly, Irene suffered a stroke three years ago, and since then has been looked after very well by South Park Care Home and Residential Home.”

She was visited often by her many friends from the church, and her cousin travelled from Lancashire as often as possible.

“In recent years, Irene was part of Church Together in Acomb, encouraging churches to share prayers, and often volunteered for The Samaritans.

“The parish of Acomb is so grateful to her. She will be sadly missed. More importantly, she will always be very well thought of by those who knew her.”