A WELL-LOVED and much respected teacher has died, prompting tributes from the education community.

Alyson Byrne held the positions of head of lower school at Smithills School and deputy head teacher at Turton School, in Bolton.

She will be best remembered as head of The Derby High School, Bury, from 2002 until retirement in 2015. Mrs Byrne died on Friday, February 17, after a relatively short illness. She was 61 years old.

Under her stewardship, The Derby High School’s buildings were developed, including new dining facilities, the ‘Inspire’ building for media, drama and dance, the multi-million pound sports hall and plans for the forthcoming development of science facilities.

In 2013, the school became the only one in the UK to win two awards at the Times Educational Supplement School Awards.

Community answers

Tributes to Alyson Byrne

"Tributes have been paid to well-loved former head teacher Alyson Byrne, who has died aged 61. If you would like to leave your own tribute, you can do so here."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Asma Younus

What is your response?Mrs Byrne is such an inspirational woman, and I am so lucky to have been head girl at the time she was there. She was hard working and dedicated to the school, I don't think anyone could have put the amount of effort in as she did. I wish the best for her family and friends and hope you all find peace in these sad times. Much love ❤

From Community contributor

What is your response?RIP, such a lovely teacher

From Stephen Taylor

What is your response?I cannot believe the news I've heard about such an inspirational woman. Thank you Mrs Byrne for all the support you gave, not only to The Derby High School and the wider community but to me especially. Throughout the later years of my study at The Derby you gave me unconditional support and gave me an opportunity I will never be able to thank you enough for. It was a pleasure being Head Boy under your leadership and thank you for blessing everyone with your infectious smile and heart of gold. Peace, prayers and blessings go out to all her family and friends.

From Anisa Khan

What is your response?Mrs Byrne was a lovely head teacher. Personally speaking I never really spoke to her but would always would smile to her and say hi. She had a beautiful smile and always well dressed. She may not be here but her legacy will go on forever, through the thousands of children she provided education and a chance of success in life. I may have not known her really closely but she was such an amazing person that I had tears filling when I heard about her passing. She was an example of those needed in today's society - a strong women with head and shoulders high as she would pass by in school. Always trying to help us, the children and provide more and more opportunities. RIP Mrs Byrne.

From Rod Lomax

What is your response?So sad to hear the new about Alyson Byrne. I served on the governing body of the Derby High School from 1993 to 2011 and under her headship from 2002. What a superb headteacher she was, nothing was too much trouble and the school went from strength to strength. She always had a smile for everyone whatever the situation ... and there were many! Such a shame she had so short a retirement ... she will be remembered and missed by all who came across her, pupils, parents and her many, many friends and colleagues.

From Carol Eardley

What is your response?From the first time I met Mrs Byrne at the open evening you could tell she was passionate about what she did and about the pupils at her school. She was a remarkable headteacher who showed a real interest in each of the pupils. Such a shock to hear of her passing. She always used to comment on how impressed she was with my daughter's dancing and performing arts when we saw her at shows. May she rest in peace. Sending love and prayers to her family who must be very proud of the legacy she has left behind and the huge impact she has had on her students. Xx

From Peter. W hitnall

What is your response?It was my pleasure to work closely with Alyson as chair of governors for over 5 years. She was such a talented leader who raised staff and pupils to achievements that always excelled expectation. Every year the school results just got better and better, resulting in a glowing Ofsted report. She always put others first and was a very caring headteacher, both for staff and pupils alike. She leaves such a legacy at the school that is well placed to serve the community for many years to come. A lovely lady deserved so much more in retirement. A very sad loss.

From Kelly O'Sullivan

What is your response?Rest in peace Mrs Byrne. Gone but never forgotten ❤

From Katie Geelan

What is your response?Bury Young Voices choir rehearse weekly at the Inspire Theatre at the Derby School. Mrs Byrne always showed great interest in our choir and gave the pupils the opportunity to perform at a number of Derby High School events. She realised the importance of Arts within the curriculum, and for that I will remember her.....Always such a smart lady with a lovely smile.

From Aaron Weatherhead

What is your response?Absolutely upsetting, me & my mum got to know her pretty well through my time in Derby (September 2009 - July 2014). She was a headteacher both me & my mum respected as she helped me with my problems in Derby. RIP Mrs Byrne.

From Natasha Parr

What is your response?What a shock. RIP Mrs Byrne.

From Liam Fenton

What is your response?This is such a shock. She was an amazing woman and a great headteacher. She supported everyone and did whatever she could to improve the school. I knew her well from when I was at The Derby High School (2011 to 2016). She was well respected. My sincere condolences go out to her family and friends. RIP gone but never forgotten ❤

From Lisa Marie Melia

What is your response?What an amazing and lovely lady she was. I remember her walking through the school corridors with that headteacher look, but with a beautiful smile and kind heart. She would go round and talk to everyone throughout the day. I was a pain in school but she kept me! RIP Miss 💛

From Sam Heath

What is your response?I can't believe it. She did so much for my ex-school. She was well respected by everybody. RIP Mrs Byrne❤

Her deputy of 13 years, Robert Margolis, said: “I had the good fortune of working with Alyson both at Smithills School in the 1990s and at The Derby from 2003. I shall remember her as a lady with intellect and sound judgement. Her knowledge and experience were impressive and her creative and strategic vision was exceptional.

"She always wanted the best for the children and ensured that they received the best educational experiences both inside and outside the classroom.”