Sally Hicks, my dear friend, left us at the age of 55 after battling stomach cancer. She was a remarkable educator who firmly believed that all children deserve access to quality education, and that children with special needs had the right to the best instruction available. Her presence lit up any room she set foot in, and her life was an inspiration to us all.
Sally was born in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, to John and Liz Hicks, both medical doctors. The family later moved to Grimsby, where she grew up alongside her siblings, Bob, David and Judy. Sally went to St Martin’s School for Girls and then to Wintringham Comprehensive. Following completion of her degree in Spanish and German at Lanchester Polytechnic, which is now known as Coventry University, she obtained her PGCE from the University of Birmingham. After that, she settled in York, where she began her teaching career.
Sally honed her skills at Joseph Rowntree School and then moved over to Fulford Cross Special School. While there, she championed language education for students with moderate learning difficulties, and her sterling efforts earned her the Teacher of the Year award in a special school. Her ability to motivate students who found schooling particularly challenging was legendary, which was recognized and awarded by the National Teaching Awards northern region in May 2000. Sally was appointed the Deputy Head in 1999 and led with warmth, wit, and wisdom, inspiring her students and colleagues alike.
Sally was a multifaceted individual who embraced any opportunity that came her way. Besides working to become an Ofsted inspector, she lectured the foundation teaching programme at York St John University and inspired students not only to study but also to ponder their understanding of the subject.
I remember meeting Sally as I began my career as a teacher. From the outset, I was astounded by her expertise, and I consider myself fortunate to have become her friend. We shared a passion for gardening, travelling, and how to approach life with courage and kindness. Sally firmly believed that the most critical values of love, kindness, and compassion were what truly mattered. When mixed with a good sense of humour, it could knit even the most challenging circumstances together.
Sally was full of life and adventure; she relished making connections with people, cooking, and uncorking a bottle of wine and a heart-felt song. But what brought her the most joy was playing tennis.
Sally is survived by her son Jamie, her mother Liz, her siblings Bob, David, and Judy.
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