COLLEAGUES have paid tribute to a teacher whose death has left a high school stunned.

Sharon Archer, a science teacher at Copleston High School for 10 years, died after a short battle with illness.

The 43-year-old was teaching as recently as three weeks ago and is remembered by colleagues for her dedication and commitment.

Mrs Archer was a highly qualified tutor, receiving a first-class honours degree in science from the University of Essex and a PhD in biological and medicinal chemistry from Queen Mary, in London, before taking a teaching position at Copleston.

Mrs Archer, who lived at Mistley, near Manningtree, with husband Paul, was an assistant head of year.

David East, deputy head at Copleston, said: “The whole community has been stunned by the loss of our dear friend and colleague Sharon Archer after a short illness.

“Sharon was an excellent science teacher and her knowledge of the subject always impressed her students. Over the years her teaching inspired many students to progress their science studies beyond GCSE to A-level and subsequently degree level.”

Mr East went on to confirm that pupils at the school had been offered bereavement counselling from the local authority.

He added: “Sharon was a popular and well-liked member of our community and loved to make a difference with our students. She was a dedicated form tutor and assistant head of year and was a driving force behind our behaviour and learning approach across the whole school.

“We will cherish her love of science, her dedication and commitment to us all, as well as her happy nature.

“Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”

Mrs Archer’s funeral will be held today in her home village of Mistley.

tom.potter@eadt.co.uk