A charismatic and popular former teacher at Monmouth School for Girls has died at the age of 74.

Miss Fran Jones was Head of History and worked tirelessly to create a happy and positive atmosphere when she later became Head of Sixth Form.

Miss Jones, who well-liked by staff and pupils at Monmouth, died on 30th December.

Miss Jones achieved a degree at Aberystwyth University and then studied in London where she gained a Master’s in Philosophy on Religion in Education.

She taught for many years at a convent school in Wimbledon before joining Monmouth in 1981 and was always able to lighten a difficult situation with her humour, sharp wit and wisdom.

Former Monmouth student, Vicky Breakwell, said: “Everyone has that one teacher who inspired them and put them on the path to where they are today. I am absolutely heartbroken by the news of the death of Miss Jones.”

Tineke Brown said: “Miss Jones was one of my favourite teachers at Monmouth and was a brilliant Head of Sixth Form.”

And Sally Oliver said: “I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. She was such a great teacher and great role model.”

Miss Jones’ familiarity with the less well-known by-ways of history endeared her to many as did her great love for the intricacies of the subject.

She became Head of Sixth Form in 1984 and was a charismatic figure who gained the affection and the support of pupils and tutors.

Unfortunately, ill-health forced Miss Jones to take early retirement at Monmouth in 1999 at the age of 53.

She moved to Cardiff and volunteered with an organisation called SNAP, which helped parents negotiate with teachers when they and their children had difficulties.

Miss Jones’ neighbour and close friend, Miss Delia Smith, a former Head of Boarding at Monmouth School for Girls, who retired in 1994, said: “Fran enjoyed a few other short spells of voluntary work, including as a lay person on a hospital interview board.

“Fran loved cruises and travel and never lost her sense of humour and, despite suffering from ill health, she always put people at ease and maintained a love of history.”