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Inquest of Mark Geadah, former head teacher of Allington Primary School in Hildenborough Crescent, not likely to be held this year

A full inquest into the death of popular head teacher Mark Geadah is not likely to take place until next year.

The family of the former head teacher of Allington Primary School, in Hildenborough Crescent, and Aylesford Primary School, in Teapot Lane, met with coroner Patricia Harding for a pre-inquest review today.

Mrs Harding did not plan to hold the review but she met at the family’s request to discuss their concerns.

Wife Lesley Geadah and his parents Monir and Jill all raised concerns about the pressure the 43-year-old was placed under by his work but coroner Patricia Harding said she will not be able to investigate them.

Head teacher Mark Geadah was found hanged at home
Head teacher Mark Geadah was found hanged at home

Speaking at the Archbishops Palace in Maidstone she said: “I am sure that’s not the response you want to hear but my legal remit is limited. I am not allowed in law to wander beyond my remit.

"I understand that you have concerns and there may be other avenues that can be pursued in relation to that.

"I know there has been considerable interest in this case and it may well be that there are people who may be interested in speaking with you."

She did however assure the family that she will try to hold the hearing within six months.

The inquest's opening, which took place on Monday, September 1, heard he was found hanged at home after suffering depression because of stress at work.

He was discovered dead in a summer house at the bottom of his garden, in Beech Drive, on Sunday, August 24.

The coroner heard he had been receiving treatment by depression caused by his work.

During Mr Geadah's time at Allington he oversaw two Ofsted inspections, both of which resulted in an outstanding rating.

His success did not go unnoticed and he became executive head at Aylesford Primary School earlier this year, while continuing as head of Allington.

Both schools are academies.

Floral tributes left for Mr Geadah at Allington Primary School
Floral tributes left for Mr Geadah at Allington Primary School

Following his death Kent County Council, Allington Primary School and the Valley Invicta Academies Trust, which runs Aylesford Primary, released a statement.

It said: “Mark Geadah was a highly gifted teacher and a national leader of education, the highest of professional accolades and one awarded only to people of the highest calibre.

“He was ably assisted and supported by the senior management team and governing bodies of both schools,” the statement added.

“We are devastated by his death but we will inherit the success he and his teams achieved, build on that and be worthy of his legacy.”

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