Headteacher pays tribute to Brianna Ghey
The Headteacher at Birchwood Community High School has released a statement, after two teenagers were found guilty of murder
Last updated 21st Dec 2023
The Headteacher at the school Brianna Ghey attended has released a statement paying tribute to her, after two teenagers were found guilty of her murder.
On the 11th February 2023, the transgender girl was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife, with injuries to her head, neck, chest and back.
The 16-year-old had been lured there by her attackers, who were both 15 at the time, after accepting an invitation to hang out with them.
Due to their ages, the defendants have been known as 'Girl X' and 'Boy Y' during the four week trial at Manchester Crown Court, where they both denied murder and tried to blame each other for Brianna's death.
Later today (Thursday 21 December), a judge will decide whether to name the pair.
Emma Mills, Headteacher at Birchwood Community High School has released a statement online, following the guilty verdicts.
The full statement reads: 'Losing Brianna has been heart-breaking. She was a creative, witty young lady who was robbed of the chance to overcome her anxieties, robbed of the chance to grow up and robbed of the chance to fulfill her ambitions of training in hair and beauty.
'Her nails matching with her phone case. Her fluffy handbag and coat. The over-the-knee white socks and rolled up skirt. The amazing hair extensions and lashes that went on for days. Her creativity and flair for fashion. She was iconic in her look, she had a sparkle, and you could never miss her. Once met, never forgotten.
'The loss of any life is awful, a child even worse, but what happened to Brianna is beyond comprehension and has changed me as a person and my outlook on life forever.
'Seeing people in the media talk about her being bullied is hurtful on so many levels. Least of all how disrespectful this is to Brianna. She was sharp-tongued (I know as I was on the receiving end of it many a time), had a strong sense of justice and was not afraid to say what she thought. She had very close relationships with staff due to nature of her personalised and bespoke timetable in school - she was not in the main body of the school due to her social anxiety. She never alleged any bullying, and I would pity the person who would have tried to be honest.
'My disillusionment with the tabloid press and social media has grown daily in the last 10 months. How things can be twisted but also how lies can be told with no sense of responsibility or care for the hurt and pain it causes. It is still happening now - I realise it is a beast that can't be tamed and that scares me.
'Most of all out of everything that has happened, I have been inspired by the true force of nature that is Brianna's mum, Esther. She is dignified, strong and a warrior mother. Being there for Brianna not only when she was alive, but standing strong for her in her death, in a way that I am totally in awe of. She is dedicated to making a positive legacy for Brianna in helping other young people. To create something so positive out of such personal pain and tragedy, is truly remarkable. She is just that, remarkable, and I am very proud to call her my friend.'