Remembering Panna Nagar
1957 - 2025
Visionary educator, colleague and friend.
A Life Dedicated to Learning and Opportunity
Panna Nagar spent her life working to improve education for children and for the people who teach them. From her early career as a nursery headteacher through to her work both in the UK and overseas as Orange Moon Training’s Director of Education and Training, her influence was wide-reaching and deeply personal.
She believed in creating opportunities for others. Whether supporting a colleague to grow, helping a school through a difficult time, or opening new ways into teaching, Panna gave her time and energy generously. Her work touched individuals, schools and entire communities, always shaped by compassion and a strong sense of purpose.
In June 2025, Panna was one of the lives tragically lost in the Air India Flight 171 disaster. The loss was profound, to her family, her colleagues, and the many people she worked with across the UK, India and beyond.
This page is a celebration of Panna’s life, her work, and the legacy she leaves behind.
Celebrating Panna’s Life and Work
A Life of Purpose
Panna began her career in early years education. As Headteacher of a nursery school, she led the setting through four consecutive Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ inspections, a reflection of her clarity, care, and belief in what children deserve.
She went on to become a National Leader of Education, supporting schools across the country, and worked as an Ofsted Inspector. She also served as a director within the Early Years Teaching School Alliance, where she mentored others and shared her experience with generosity and skill.
Building Opportunities Through Orange Moon
In her role as Director of Education and Training at Orange Moon, Panna helped to shape one of the first teacher apprenticeship programmes of its kind in the UK. She wanted to remove barriers and support people who had the passion to teach but needed a way in.
More than 100 teachers have now achieved Qualified Teacher Status through Orange Moon. Panna’s guidance, leadership and belief in others played a central part in that success.
Strengthening Ties Between the UK and India
Panna’s connection to Gujarat remained close to her heart. With her friend Praful, she helped to set up New Horizon, a small charity school for children in rural India who otherwise would have struggled to access education.
Later, she worked with colleagues in both India and the UK to create iPETL, a programme focused on strengthening early years teaching. She helped build lasting school partnerships, including one between Gokuldham School in Gujarat and Chestnut Park in Somerset, part of Futura Learning Partnership. These relationships were based on trust, shared values, and a belief in learning from one another.
A Legacy That Lives On
In the months before her death, Panna returned to India to deliver the first iPETL workshops and help build momentum for what was to come. She also helped secure approval for Orange Moon to deliver a teacher training programme in India, something she was deeply proud of.
She saw her vision coming to life. Schools welcomed the approach. The partnerships were strong. The need was clear.
Although her life was cut short, her work continues. The teachers she inspired, the training she helped build, and the belief she placed in people will continue to grow.
Orange Moon’s Commitment
Panna believed in education that changes lives. She believed in training that is practical, inclusive and built on real relationships.
At Orange Moon Training, we remain committed to continuing the work she led and to honouring the principles she lived by. Her presence is still felt in everything we do.
