Students and staff of Yavneh College have held “a day of reflection and coming together” to celebrate the life of headteacher Dena Coleman.

The school was devastated when Dr Coleman died suddenly last week after contracting bacterial meningitis. She was 60.

During a ceremony at the Borehamwood school, a specially prepared booklet about coping with bereavement was distributed to pupils.

Chair of governors Sue Nyman said: “Pupils and staff undertook a commitment to nurturing the skills and talents which Dr Coleman had encouraged them to discover, and to perpetuate her legacy in a meaningful way.

“We are a family and like in any family situation, everyone is helping and supporting each other.”

Dr Coleman, who founded Yavneh College six years ago, was expected to retire at the end of the school year next month.

Spencer Lewis, who had been appointed as her replacement, will start at the school in September.