Tributes have been paid to the headteacher at a St John’s secondary school who died last week.

Zoe Johnson-Walker, who led Winston Churchill School, suffered a “medical emergency” on the premises on Thursday last week.

Paramedics and an air ambulance were sent in response. A spokesperson for SECAmb said: "South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) was called just before 08.30 (29/10/26) following reports of a medical emergency at Winston Churchill School in Woking.

"Crews were joined at the scene by the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex."

Helyn Clack, Surrey County Council cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, was quick to pay tribute to Mrs Johnson-Walker.

She said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the unexpected death of Mrs Zoe Johnson-Walker.

“Mrs Johnson-Walker was a significant presence within the Surrey education community for many years. She was a strong and dedicated leader who consistently championed her students and school, always advocating passionately for the best outcomes for children and young people.

“Zoe’s loss will be keenly felt by those who knew her, and our thoughts are with her family and friends, colleagues, students and the whole school community at this incredibly difficult time.”

Parents and carers of the school’s pupils were informed of Mrs Johnson-Walker’s death in a letter co-signed by deputy headteacher James French and chair of governors Andy Adcroft.

“It is with deep sadness that we are writing to inform you of the death of our headteacher, Mrs Johnson-Walker,” it read.

“This news has come as a shock, and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and all those affected at this extremely difficult time.

“Mrs Johnson-Walker joined Winston Churchill School as headteacher in 2013 and for more than a decade she has been devoted to the school, its staff and, most importantly of all, the students at Winston. She leaves an indelible mark on the school and her legacy will not be forgotten.

“Her family would also like to share the following: Zoe, Mum, Grandma has dedicated her life to education over the last 47 years, having received her bachelor's degree in 1979. Over the last 13 years at Winston, Mum was always passionate about finding the next opportunity and eagerly talked of her plans at home from the planetarium, performing arts space and most recently the new science labs.

“She was always proud of the team around her and the numerous awards the school have won in recent years, in recognition of their outstanding work. Her whole working life has been to improve the education available to the students in her care and leave each school in a better place than she found it. As a family we are devastated by the sudden loss, and she leaves a hole that cannot be filled.”

On Monday the school released a further statement.

It said: “The school is open today (Monday) and we have welcomed staff and students back following the half-term break as usual. Deputy headteacher James French is leading the school with the full support of the governing body.

“Our immediate priority is supporting our staff and students as they begin to process and come to terms with the sudden and tragic loss of Mrs Johnson-Walker. Meetings have been held with staff and students this morning, and appropriate support is being made available.

“In due course, we hope to remember and celebrate Mrs Johnson-Walker's life and contribution to the school community together, and we will share further details with families and staff when plans have been confirmed and discussed with Mrs Johnson-Walker's family.

“For the time being, we respectfully ask for privacy and understanding as our school community comes to terms with this sudden and deeply sad loss.”