A BURSARY is being started to keep alive the memory of a much-loved Rowley Regis headteacher who died earlier this month.

Jayne Gray, headteacher of St Michael’s Church of England High School, died on October 6, following a battle with cancer.

Her death sent shockwaves through the school with tributes pouring in to the popular head.

Now an appeal has been started on gofundme to start the Jayne Gray Bursary for pupils suffering financial hardship so that her "legacy can live on."

The appeal has already raised £100 towards its £500 target.

The fundraiser, which is being organised by Amy Gray, states: "Mrs Jayne Gray was the much-loved headteacher of St Michael’s Church of England High School, Rowley Regis, from September 2016 until October 2021.

"Tragically, her tenure was cut short following a courageous battle against cancer.

"Mrs Gray was passionate about her school; her students; and the wider St Michael’s school community, and it is her family’s wishes that her legacy lives on through the creation of the Jayne Gray Bursary.

"The Jayne Gray Bursary fund aims to help St Michael’s offer a small financial contribution to families who are in financial hardship and are unable to procure school uniform, books or stationery.

The ethos of St Michael’s Church of England High School is to show love, care and kindness to all, and it is this core value that Mrs Gray’s family hope to continue and support.

"Through this fund, it is hoped that, in a small way, Mrs. Jayne Gray’s legacy can live on."

Mrs Gray held leadership posts at Lode Heath School in Solihull and Grace Academy in Darlaston, before moving to St Michaels.

Senior deputy headteacher, Christina Handy-Rivett, said: “Mrs Gray dealt with her illness with a tenacious, optimistic and practical attitude throughout her treatment.

"In living with her diagnosis, she continued to successfully lead St Michael’s, always putting the students and school community before her own needs.

"As a Leadership Team, we are privileged to have worked with her and she will be greatly missed; she was an aspirational leader and mentor and we will continue to uphold everything she stood for.”