TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman whose dedication to education in Barnsley won her the highest praise.
Josie Thirkell was awarded the OBE in last year’s birthday honour’s list for her services to education.
She died on Sunday from cancer, aged 69. She leaves a husband Steve, grown up children and grandchildren.
Originally from Cleveland, Josie’s first role in Barnsley was as headteacher at Springwell School, which provided special education for children with emotional, social and behavioural difficulties.
In 2012 she became chief executive officer of Wellspring Academy Trust, a multi-academy trust responsible for schools including The Forest Academy at Kendray, and Springwell at Athersley.
Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle
