Tributes paid to Crosshall Infant Teaching Assistant Louise Ormston

Students and staff both past and present are mourning the passing of Louise Ormston, a much-loved member of the Crosshall Infant School community. Louise, worked as a Teaching Assistant at the school as well as being an active volunteer within St Neots Swans Swimming Club.

Louise, who worked as a Teaching Assistant and Inclusion Manager for 11 years, was widely admired for her dedication to children, her creativity, and the energy she brought to every aspect of school life.

The school paid tribute to her as “full of life; kind, creative, and always ready to go above and beyond to bring joy into the classroom.”

In a statement this morning the school said: 

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our much-loved colleague and friend, Louise Ormston, who has been a treasured part of our school community for the past 11 years. Louise worked as a Teaching Assistant and Inclusion Manager, and her passion for supporting children and making learning meaningful shone brightly every single day. She was full of life; kind, creative, and always ready to go above and beyond to bring joy into the classroom.

Staff and pupils have been remembering her imaginative approach to teaching, including dressing up as the Gingerbread Man and visiting parts of the town to bring the story to life for Nursery children. Louise also loved Christmas, frequently dressing as a cheeky elf and spreading festive cheer throughout the school.

The school added: 

Louise touched the lives of so many children, families, and colleagues with her warmth, humour, and dedication. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a school community forever grateful to have known her.

Online tributes from former colleagues, parents, and friends highlight the breadth of her impact.

Carole James described Louise as “a fountain of knowledge in many subjects and will be missed enormously.” Georgina Pettengell recalled, “While I had my placement at Crosshall, Louise was so passionate about her job. There was nothing too big or too small that she wouldn’t do for any child.” Lynne Rutherford added, “Louise was such a wonderful, caring and funny lady who made everyone smile.” Louise Miller said, “Louise was such a special lady with an amazing energy about her—always passionate, lovely, friendly and welcoming.”

Louise was also deeply involved in the St Neots Swans Swimming Club, volunteering her time in multiple roles. She helped raise funds for the club, liaised with local businesses, organised raffles, and managed events including Junior and Senior Fenland League competitions. She also served as a Swim England Technical Official and was Honorary Secretary for the club for a number of years.

In a statement the club said: 

Louise turned her hand to whatever needed to be done to support the Club and its swimmers. But most importantly, her first concern was for our swimmers. Whenever we were discussing a topic at a Committee meeting, her first question was always, ‘How will that impact the kids?’”

St Neots Swans Swimming Club chairman, Paul Thomson-Clark, told Black Cat Radio:

Louise will be very sadly missed by all of us at St Neots Swans. Her enthusiasm and sense of humour were infectious. Louise could turn her hand to anything and when she said she would do something, it got done. We all loved her to bits and the Club will miss her very much.

Louise Ormston’s commitment, energy, and care left a lasting impression across both the school and wider community. Her colleagues, pupils, swimming club members, and friends remember her as a source of joy, guidance, and inspiration. The thoughts and condolences of the community remain with her family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved her.