We are greatly saddened to hear news of the death of former Seaford teacher and houseparent Kate Thompson. With her son Mark, her sister Julie and her niece Ellie by her side, Kate passed away at home on Saturday 28th October.

Kate arrived at Seaford College with her husband Mike from Embley Park in January 1965, with Mike taking up the roles of Head of History and 1st XV rugby coach, together with being assistant housemaster in Charmandean. Shortly after arriving, Kate was employed to teach Maths. By September 1967, they were houseparents of Charmandean and held that position until leaving Seaford at the end of 1977 when Mike and Kate moved to Forest Grange School, Horsham in order to take over the headship. Following their time in Horsham, they moved to Wycliffe College Junior School in September 1988.

Kate was fully involved in school life during her time here at Seaford, teaching Maths together with overseeing the day-to-day running of the school and a busy boarding house. During her teaching life, she inspired many young people and always gave freely of her time to make life fun for the children under her care and to make those who boarded feel as though they were at home. 

Mike and Kate retired in 1993 and moved to Shurdington, Cheltenham, in October 1994. Once retired, Kate threw herself into life in Shurdington in several ways, including fundraising tirelessly for various projects, organising the flowers for the church and numerous brides, together with her involvement in the Mother’s Union over many years. 

Kate’s funeral will be held at 1pm on Tuesday 21st November at St Paul’s in Shurdington.