�Staff and students this week vowed to set up a permanent memorial to an “inspirational teacher” who died unexpectedly during the summer.

Tributes have poured in for Emma Polston, 25, from Coopers’ Company and Coborn School in St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, who died at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel following surgery.

Emma’s funeral service was on August 9 at St Andrew’s Church, High Street, Hornchurch.

Her fianc�, Jason Coker, said: “Her death was a shock to everyone. She was not only my fianc�e, but my best friend and her death has left a massive hole in my life.”

He added: “Emma had an amazing sense of humour and she loved to laugh.”

Emma, of Fernbank Avenue, Elm Park, started teaching at Coopers’ three years ago.

She was looking forward to returning in the new academic year after being promoted to year head.

Jason said: “Emma always wanted to be a teacher, it was something that she was so passionate about.

‘Larger than life’

“She loved working for the school and was really proud of the students. She was just over the moon that she had been given a promotion at such a young age.”

A Facebook page has been set up by the school dedicated to Emma and it has been inundated with tributes from her former students and colleagues.

One reads: “Emma, all I think about when I think of you is your incredible smile and sense of humour. I will miss so much our little chats in the staff room.

“You were an inspiration to others, students, staff and friends – everyone.

“I just can’t believe this has happened. With so much love and thoughts to Emma’s family and Jason, God bless you Emma and Rest in Peace.”

The school is also in the process of setting up a memorial garden and is working on a bursary for gifted students in Emma’s name.

Headteacher David Mansfield said: “She was still a relatively new teacher at the school but she had a very strong personality and was a genuinely larger than life character.

“She was a very strong English teacher and was very much loved by many of her students.”

Jason is planning a trust fund, with money going to an educational institution.