Craven schools bid farewell to members of staff

Ella Preston, head of Bradleys Both Community Primary School, retired after 41 years of teaching.

Mrs Preston, who had been at the school since 1987, said: “I have been lucky to work in a village school in a beautiful rural area.”

Also leaving was assistant head Annette Campbell, who has been appointed headteacher at Ingrow Primary School, Keighley.

Both women said Bradley School had a great team of teachers, amazing children and fantastic parents..

Aireville School at Skipton said goodbye to three members of staff.

Ruth Hall has retired after more than 30 years of teaching food technology at the school. Headteacher Mark O’Neill said: “Mrs Hall has been a great ambassador for the school and the teaching profession and we wish her all the best in her retirement.” Also leaving were Rory Magill, who has retired after a teaching career spanning more than 30 years and Corinth Blackwell, who had worked as a cover supervisor.

The first headteacher to oversee three Church of England Primary Schools, has retired after 37 years in the profession.

Brian Beresford was appointed head of the newly-formed Confederation of Austwick , Clapham and Horton-in-Ribblesdale CE Primaries three years ago.

“Being head of three schools has presented a unique challenge, but working within the village communities has brought many rewards,” said Mr Beresford. “The children are very open and honest and achieve a great deal.”

He started his teaching career at Carleton Endowed CE Primary.

“Throughout my career I have aimed to make a positive difference to the lives of children by helping them to succeed in whatever area they show potential,” said Mr Beresford.

He now plans to spend more time with his wife, son and daughter and find ways of working with children, possibly through his music.

Sally Brown, assistant headteacher of Aire View Infants School at Silsden , said she was sad to be stepping down after 18 years.

Mrs Brown, who lives in Silsden, began her teaching career at Hothfield Junior School and later worked at Long Lee Primary.

She began working as a teacher at Aire View Infants in 1994 and has been assistant head for about 10 years.

She said: “I won’t be going completely, I’ve said I will come back on a supply basis.”

She said she was looking forward to having more time to spend with her family.

South Craven School has said goodbye to two long-serving members of staff.

Science teacher Phil Brown and extended services co-ordinator Derek Blackwell have left after a combined 53 years at the Cross Hills school.

Mr Brown joined the staff in 1978 and has also been head of biology, head of year, head of science and an advanced schools teacher.

He plans to travel and continue teaching on a supply basis.

Mr Blackwell ran the local adult education and youth work programmes for 14 years and in 2007 he took on the job of extended services co-ordinator. He has also been involved in organising Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions.

He said he had remained at South Craven longer than he expected, but liked the area so was reluctant to leave.

Steeton Primary School has lost three teachers who had given combined service of 73 years.

Liz Roxburgh, Margaret Nutter and Anne Gallagher said they had all appreciated working at such a friendly and welcoming school.

Mrs Roxburgh, who was leaving after 25 years, said: “It’s a very special school with lots of special people.

“I now plan to have more time to spend with family in Edinburgh, while maintaining friendships here.”

Mrs Nutter had been at Steeton Primary for 33 years.

She said: “It’s a lovely place to be and the staff are so friendly and welcoming.”

She said her departure would allow her to focus on her hobbies and spend more time with her retired husband.

Mrs Gallagher has left the school after 15 years.

She said: “It’s been fantastic. The whole staff work together and support each other.

“I’ll now be spending more time with my husband, who is retired, and I’ve got two grandchildren who I’ll be looking after.”