Dame Judith, 50, collapsed and died on September 5, the first day of the new academic year. Her career in education spanned more than 25 years: she had already been a head and a deputy head when she took up her position at City of Portsmouth in 1995. In recognition of her services to education, she was made a Dame in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list of June 2000.

She was known for her commitment to providing girls with an educational environment in which they could flourish.

“Within our inner-city comprehensive, she was an excellent role model,” said Beverley Scammell, acting head of City of Portsmouth. She was also committed to teacher training, both within the school and beyond.

This July, she was appointed to the board of the Teacher Training Agency by Education Secretary Estelle Morris.

Paying tribute to Dame Judith’s contribution to education, Ms Morris said:

“During her 28 years in education, she was a source of inspiration to many. She will be greatly missed by all of her pupils and colleagues.”