Sara Sharif, a bright and caring pupil at St Mary’s Primary School in West Byfleet, Surrey, endured unimaginable hardship at home but brought joy and kindness to everyone she met at school.
Her head teacher, Jacquie Chambers, described her as a “cheerful little soul” who loved singing, dancing, and helping younger pupils.
Sara dreamed of competing on The X Factor, often singing her self-written songs to anyone who would listen.
Her favorite tracks included Memories by Maroon 5 and Count on Me by Bruno Mars, which were performed at a heartfelt memorial service held at her school.
During the service, a white feather fell from the sky—a moment her teachers saw as a comforting sign from Sara.
To honor her memory, the school established the annual “Sara Singing Award” for promising singers and created a decorated buddy bench symbolizing her nurturing spirit.
Her classmates also crafted a memory box filled with photos, messages, and the symbolic white feather.
Despite noticing bruising on Sara in early 2023 and reporting it to social services, her school’s involvement ended when she was withdrawn for home-schooling.
In August 2023, the tragic news of her death shocked the entire school community.
Her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, were convicted of her murder, while her uncle, Faisal Malik, was found guilty of causing or allowing her death.
Ms. Chambers tearfully recalled Sara’s infectious smile and her lively, compassionate nature, emphasizing that the entire school continues to feel her absence deeply.
“She had the cutest, biggest smile with her little cheeks,” she said. “We don’t have a photo in school where she isn’t smiling.”
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