Princess Diana’s old school in Kent has paid a glowing tribute to Mohamad Al Fayed – the former Harrods and Fulham FC owner who died this week at the age of 94 – describing him as “unique”.

He was the founding patron of West Heath School in Sevenoaks – an independent school dedicated to providing an education for children with special educational needs (SEN).

His Al Fayed Charitable Foundation bought what had been Diana’s former boarding school in 1998 – and dedicated it to the memory of both the Princess and his son, Dodi Al Fayed. Both perished in the same tragic car crash in Paris in 1997.

The school’s principal, Photini Bohacek, said: “It is with deep sadness and a personal sense of loss that we record the death of our founding patron.

“He, together with Val May, the first appointed principal of the school, set about creating a unique educational environment, directly supporting young people whose educational lives had been adversely affected by loss, bereavement and mental health issues.

“He was visionary in pursuing the benefits of education for young people whose interests might otherwise have been left behind. He understood the value of a healing environment, dedicated staff and what they could bring to widening access to education at a time of reduced funding and growing need.

“Thanks to Mr Al Fayed’s incredible generosity and passionate interest in the welfare of young people, West Heath School is a thriving SEND school, graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and continues to support students with social, emotional and mental health needs to heal, recover, and reach their potential.

“Our staff, students, both past and present, will always be grateful for the way in which he championed the charity and the cause of education. His personal generosity has been instrumental in the work of the school and his energy, kindness and belief in the importance of our work, have kept us going. He was unique in the way he understood the transformative power of ‘rebuilding lives through education’, our school’s motto and raison d’être.

“Our thoughts are also with his beloved family at this difficult time, especially Mrs Al Fayed and his daughter, Camilla, both passionate supporters of our school. Mr Al Fayed will be greatly missed. His enduring legacy will be the thousands of lives and families who have benefited from their time at West Heath. Our work continues and his legacy lives on.”

Mr Al Fayed died on Wednesday – his death was announced on Friday night.