A headteacher who turned a school with failing results into the most improved in the country has died aged 47.

Karen Lees worked wonders when she was seconded from Varndean School in Brighton to take charge of East Brighton College of Media Arts (Comart).

Although her success failed to stop the school from being closed the same year, in 2005 Comart achieved its best ever GCSE results.

The results came nearly a year after Ms Lees was diagnosed with breast cancer.

In September 2006 she retired on health grounds from Varndean School, where she had returned to her post as deputy head. She died on Saturday, March 10 at Martlets Hospice in Hove.

Family and friends said she would be remembered as a lively, enthusiastic champion of people who was well-liked and immensely dedicated to her work and the community.

Younger sister Maria Valentine said: "She was loved by everybody and really made a difference to everybody.

"She was always passionate about children. She'd always stuck in the state system. Throughout her time at Comart she said, this was what she went into teaching for - kids who don't always have the opportunities and who don't always have the support from home.

"Whoever they were she always treated everybody with respect and got the best out of them."

Ms Lees was born in Woodingdean and attended Longhill School, then Durham University. She was a keen sportswoman and started her career as a PE teacher.

She worked at Hailsham Community College and Cavendish School in Eastbourne before transferring to Varndean. She lived in Eastbourne and had a second home in Ibiza.

For many years Ms Lees completed the Race for Life for Cancer Research UK and the Playtex Moonwalk for breast cancer charities.

Mrs Valentine said her sister was a beloved aunt and enjoyed taking her nieces and nephews on camping trips.

Outside school, Ms Lees loved music, had many friends and was a consultant to organisations in Brighton and Hove wishing to gain an Investors in People award.

Andy Schofield, head of Varndean School, said it was a fitting job as she gave so much to others in her work. He said: "She invested a lot in other people. That is the legacy she left her staff and students.

"And of course she did all the amazing work at Comart despite being ill in that last year. When Comart closed, it was the most improved school in the country. It went from 13 per cent to 43 per cent gaining five A* to C grades at GCSE. There are not many people who can say they have done that."

At Varndean, he said Ms Lees provided a "strong female role model" at the top of the school and even exceeded his expectations.

Mr Schofield added that Varndean's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat last week was dedicated every night in memory of Ms Lees.

She is survived by her siblings Maria, Debbie and Andy, parents Pat and Geoff and six nieces and nephews.

A private funeral for immediate family will take place on Thursday, March 22. The same day there will be a celebration of her life for everyone who knew her at St Margaret's Church, Rottingdean at 3.30pm.

Ms Lees requested no flowers. Donations can be made to the Martlets care of Christopher Stringer funeral director at 67 High Street, Rottingdean or on 01273 306000.

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