The head of Immanuel College in Bushey has led tributes to its head of pastoral care, Martine Travers, who died on Monday after suffering an aneurysm.

Informing parents with “great sadness” about the death of the long-serving staff member, Gary Griffin said she had been “an integral part of our pastoral team. We are all devastated not to have her with us, helping our pupils in her wonderful way. She really was the children’s champion and her door was always open for those pupils who needed additional help and support..”

The head added that the college had arranged for the Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service to counsel students affected by the news.

There would also be consultation “about ways in which we can remember Mrs Travers fondly —and in the way she would have wanted”.