TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved headteacher who has lost her battle with cancer aged 63.

Rita Tipple, from Saltdean, worked in Lewes and Brighton, and she was headteacher of Wivelsfield Primary School, near Burgess Hill, for 21 years from 1989 until 2010.

She drove Wivelsfield’s move from Victorian buildings in Church Lane to spacious new premises at the other end of the village, in South Road.

Marion Whear, chairwoman of the school governors, said Miss Tipple, who died on May 7, stood out for her commitment to raising standards while helping children develop as individuals.

She added: “Everyone was very shocked and saddened to hear that Rita has passed away despite a very brave battle against illness.

“She was much-loved by the children and generations of former Wivelsfield Primary School students will have very fond memories of her, as do the staff and everyone who knew her.”

“Rita was a very gentle lady, and very dignified, and was very popular with the children, fellow teachers and school staff, and held in high regard by the education authorities at East Sussex County Council.

“I am sure one of the reasons the new school campaign was successful was due to her perseverance and quiet but effective diplomacy in putting forward the case on behalf of the children.”

In her retirement Miss Tipple took up golf and pursued her life-long interest in creative writing, joining the Wivelsfied Little Theatre and writing two well-received plays: a murder mystery, Come Die With Me, and a family drama, Your Call.

A lifelong Brighton and Hove Albion supporter, she also enjoyed travelling with friends and long walks with her beloved dog, Tilly, along the cliffs at Saltdean, where she lived.

Jonathan Rowsell, who took over from Miss Tipple as headteacher when she retired in 2010, said: “Wivelsfield is a very special primary school and much of that is due to Rita’s legacy.”

Lesley Wickham, head of education improvement at East Sussex County Council, said Miss Tipple was held in the highest regard by “every member of the school community”.

She added: “Her depth of understanding of children’s learning and development was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

“Her passionate belief in her role in the development of new and aspiring teachers has influenced the career paths of the many teachers and headteachers across East Sussex, who have benefitted from her wisdom, guidance and support.”

  • A funeral will be held at Saltdean Church on Friday, May 29 at 2.30pm. Donations for Cancer Research or Martlets Hospice, Wayfield Avenue, Hove, BN3 7LW, are C/O The Co-operative Funeral Care, 44 Warren Road, Woodingdean, Brighton, BN2 6BA.
  • A thanksgiving service to celebrate the life of Rita Tipple will be held at Wivelsfield parish church in Church Lane, Wivelsfield, in early July. The date of the thanksgiving service is to be confirmed.