Celebration of Devon headteachers’ service

A celebration of over 300 years of service to children in Devon by 12  headteachers has been held by the county’s schools chiefs.

The leader of Devon County Council, John Hart, and the Cabinet Member for Schools, James McInnes, Chief Executive Phil Norrey and Head of Education and Learning, Sue Clarke, hosted the celebration for heads who left their schools during the current academic year after a lifetime of service.

Most were retiring but others were going on to work in other areas.

In all they have spent 324 years educating children across the county.

In East Devon, Nigel Tancock spent 38 years teaching children in the county and retired as head of Woodbury Primary.

Caroline Bond from Littletown Primary in Honiton and Patricia Morris from Rockbeare Primary each gave 26 years’ service while Paul Evans from Colyton Grammar has 18 years’ service in Devon schools.

In North Devon, David Atton spent 41 years teaching children in the county and retired as head of The Park School in Barnstaple and Kathy Tape from Hartland Primary gave 28 years’ service in Devon schools.

In South Devon, Kate Edwards spent 35 years teaching children in the county and retired as head of Widecombe Primary.

Julie Dyer from Bovey Tracey Primary gave 25 years’ service while Heather Hanrott from Woodlands Park in Ivybridge has 14 years’ service in Devon schools.

In Mid Devon, David Goode spent 34 years teaching children in the county and retired as head of Bickleigh Primary and Heather Perry from Newton St Cyres Primary gave 30 years’ service in Devon schools.

In West Devon, Helen Salmon retired as head of Tavistock College after nine years’ service in Devon.

They were all amongst the heads invited to a special garden party and buffet supper in Exeter.

Mr Hart told them: “Devon has a lot to be proud of – particularly in its education service.

“My sincere thanks go to you all on behalf of Devon County Council and the children of Devon for all the work you have done and the results you have achieved despite the low national funding of our schools.”

He said he wished those who were retiring a long and happy retirement and every success to those who were moving on to new ventures.

Dr Norrey said he wanted to thank the heads on behalf of the thousands of children who had passed through their care over the years.

“It is heads and teachers in schools who make a difference and you can look back with pride on a job well done, he said.”

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