Published at 11:08, Thursday, 26 April 2012

THE headteacher of one of Cumbria’s most successful schools is retiring at the end of this academic year.

Title
Author
Copyright

Description

MIKE CHAPMAN has been in charge of Keswick School for the past 16 years.

He is the latest in a string of high-profile Cumbrian headteachers to announce they are standing down this summer.

The decision was announced to parents this month – along with the name of his successor. SIMON JACKSON, deputy headteacher since 2010, will step up in September following Mr Chapman’s departure at the end of the summer term.

Governors thanked Mr Chapman for his “forward-thinking and positive actions” that have taken Keswick to the position of being a school ranked by inspectors as “outstanding”.

Sarah Peck, chair of governors, said: “We are sorry to be saying goodbye to Mr Chapman at the end of the summer term, he has been an inspirational leader for the last 16 years and he will be missed.

“We are pleased that Mr Jackson has accepted the headship and look forward to working with him to continue moving the school from success to success.”

His successor will be only the eighth person to take on the role in the school’s history.

The headteacher of Northside School in Workington is also leaving after six years in charge. HELEN FORD, 44, of Cockermouth, will take over the headship at Richmond Hill School in Aspatria at the start of next term.

She said: “What I love about this school is that it is never boring and what keeps you going is the pupils and fantastic team of staff. The thing I have enjoyed the most is making the children realise they are all valued and that we are part of a team.”

Pupils also said farewell to two other teachers at a special assembly this month. BARBARA CAREY, year two and three teacher, retired after 26 years at the school. Mrs Carey, 58, of Camerton, told the children: “I have lots of lovely memories of all of you and I will never forget you.”

Ms Ford said: “Barbara will be an immense miss to the school, she is invaluable and has taught generations of children.”

KAY CLARKE, 44, of Wythop Mill, the year four, five and six teacher, is leaving to relocate to Gloucestershire after teaching at the school for four years. She said: “I have loved the good community atmosphere at the school and working with the children. I will come back to visit when I can.”

Pupils and staff at Distington Community School also bid a tearful farewell this month to midday supervisor JACKIE BOWMAN as she retired after 27 years at the school. Mrs Bowman, 61, who is a governor at the school, was inundated with flowers, cards, gifts and hugs.

She said: “The thing I have enjoyed the most is working with the children because they are fantastic. Some of them I have been with here I used to look after their parents as well.

“I honestly cannot say there is any one thing that has been the best over the years, other than today, I will never, ever forget it.”

Headteacher Nina Heron said: “Jackie has been like the cornerstone of this school so really it is like the brick’s missing. I will really miss her because not only has she worked hard for me but she is a good friend too.”

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk