Tributes have been paid to a “one in a million” teacher who was found dead after being reported missing.

Karen Gill, 51, was last seen in Queenborough High Street on Sheppey at around 4.30am on Monday (December 9).

A search effort was launched but sadly, just after 10pm, officers were called to reports a body had been found near the town’s harbour.

A spokesman from the force said her death was not being treated as suspicious. A report is being prepared for the coroner.

Since the tragic news, a number of tributes have been paid to the teacher.

Queenborough Town Council said it was “very saddened” to hear of her death.

A spokeswoman said: “The Mayor of Queenborough, Cllr Richard Darby, has expressed his heartfelt sympathy on behalf of the councillors, clerk and the community.

“We are thinking of the family at this sad time.”

Ms Gill was head of information technology at The Hundred of Hoo Academy in Medway, which is part of the Leigh Academy Trust (LAT).

She previously taught computer science and business at Oasis Academy, as well as being a special educational needs coordinator (SENCo).

The 51-year-old had worked at the secondary school on the Island for more than 15 years.

Liz Price was head of drama until 2020 and knew Ms Gill well.

She told KentOnline: “She was a beautiful person – very kind, patient and supportive.

“The students loved her as she had a lot of time for them.

“It was just so heartbreaking and tragic to learn of her death. My thoughts are with her close family right now.”

Sophie Spillett, a private tutor and owner of So-Phi Tuition, posted a tribute on social networking site LinkedIn.

“Rest in peace Karen Gill, you were loved by many and I will never forget the support and encouragement you gave me at the start of my teaching career,” she said.

“One in a million. The world has lost a wonderful person.”

Paul Wintle, who had been a chaplain at Oasis Academy, added: “What an amazing, cheerful, bouncy, encouraging, fun and beautiful soul.”

LAT staff who knew Ms Gill have been offered support.

The Hundred of Hoo Academy said it did not feel it could comment at this time.