Tragic Loss of Dawn Cox: Beloved Religious Education Teacher at Manningtree High School and Advocate for Educational Innovation Passes Away in Car Accident
Manningtree, Essex — April 9, 2025 — The educational community is in mourning following the sudden and tragic death of Dawn Cox, a beloved Religious Education (RE) teacher at Manningtree High School. Cox, who was well-respected for her dedication to the field of education, passed away after a car accident in Essex over the weekend. Her untimely death has left a deep void among colleagues, students, and friends.
A Lifelong Dedication to Education
Dawn Cox was more than just a teacher—she was a passionate advocate for the power of education and a leader in the field of Religious Education. Throughout her career, she held numerous roles, including Advanced Skills Teacher and Assistant Principal, where she made a lasting impact on both students and the broader educational community.
Cox’s contributions to the RE field went far beyond the classroom. In collaboration with Louise Hutton, she co-authored the widely acclaimed resource Making Every RE Lesson Count, a guide that has helped reshape the way RE is taught in schools. She was also a popular figure in the educational blogging community, where she shared her expertise, insights, and teaching strategies with her peers.
Her work as a consultant for Culham St Gabriel’s, which supports Religious Education across the country, further solidified her reputation as a thought leader in the field. Her work with RE:ONLINE, a platform that provides support for RE teachers, showcased her commitment to professional development and educational innovation.
A Tremendous Loss to the Community
Tributes have poured in from all corners of the education community, remembering Cox not just for her professional achievements but for her warmth, kindness, and dedication to her students. Colleagues and friends have spoken of her inspiring leadership, her ability to bring out the best in her students, and her unwavering commitment to her work.
Culham St Gabriel’s released a heartfelt statement, describing Cox as a “wonderful friend and colleague” who was “passionate about making RE relevant and engaging for every student.” They added that her ability to blend research with practical application in the classroom was truly inspiring.
Manningtree High School, where Cox taught for many years, has also expressed their deep sorrow. In a statement, the school said, “Dawn was a vital member of our community—her passion for teaching and her care for our students were second to none. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the lives she touched.”
Supporting Dawn’s Family
In the wake of this tragic event, a fundraiser has been established to support Cox’s family, including providing assistance with daily needs and care for her beloved pets. The educational community has come together to offer their support during this incredibly difficult time.
A Lasting Legacy
Dawn Cox’s legacy as a dedicated educator and leader in Religious Education will continue to inspire future generations of teachers and students. Her passion for education and her commitment to her students’ well-being will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of working with her.
Plans for memorial services and tributes to honor her life and work are being finalized, with many hoping to celebrate her life by continuing her mission of nurturing young minds and promoting the importance of education. Her unexpected passing leaves a gap in the educational community, but her influence will undoubtedly live on.