A school has shut after a member of staff was found dead on the campus. The headteacher sent an email to parents to confirm the closure after Colin Jewhurst, a worker at the school, died on Monday evening.

Nexus School in Tonbridge, Kent, has been closed today (Tuesday, May 12) after the "valued member" of staff passed away. The school announced the news on Facebook, thanking parents for their "compassion, understanding and continued support at this very difficult time". Scott Jarred, executive headteacher, also emailed parents to inform them of the closure, adding that the school would reopen on Wednesday.

As reported by Kent Live, he said in his email: "It is with great sadness that I share the news that Colin Jewhurst, a valued member of our site team, sadly passed away at school yesterday evening following a medical episode.

"Colin had been part of the Nexus community for over seven years and was a much-loved member of staff. He was always ready to help others, with a smile on his face, and a kind, supportive presence around the school."

He added: "As it was not possible to inform all staff of this tragic news last night, today has understandably been a significant shock for the whole school community. We felt it was important to give staff the time and space to process this sad loss, support one another, and begin to mourn."

Nexus School, a foundation special school for students aged between two and 19 with profound, severe and complex needs, has just short of 300 pupils. It serves families in the Tonbridge and wider Kent area.

The school will reopen as usual on Wednesday (May 13). Staff will spend time with students to help them understand what has happened as many of them had "very positive friendships with Colin".