A "POPULAR and successful" head teacher is retiring after 30 years of service to a school.

At the end of this school year, Woodford Valley CE Primary Academy will be saying farewell to their head teacher, Rebecca Carson.

After 30 years of service to the school, first as a teacher and for the last 18 years as Head Teacher, Mrs Carson will be taking a very well-deserved retirement.

A spokesperson for the school said: "She has led the school with dedication, determination and kindness, ensuring that children at the school have had the best primary education possible.

"She has made sure that the wellbeing and welfare of children are at the heart of everything, and as a Church School, has worked hard to create a caring and supportive Christian environment in which children are able to learn and thrive."

Throughout her career, there have been many highlights.

In 2012, she moved the school to Academy status, introduced Spanish and cookery lessons, and even launched a radio station.

Mrs Carson has been proactive in seeking opportunities for all children to shine, including encouraging them to enter competitions in singing, sport, drama and writing poetry.

Upon announcing her retirement Mrs Carson told parents "We have travelled this adventure through many trials and tribulations but also many highs and moments of great celebration.

"Too many to remember but also too many to look back and forget. I am so humbled to now be welcoming the children of children I first started teaching in the school many years ago and to be able to watch them grow."

Rebecca also paid tribute to the hard work and enthusiasm of the staff team that she has been blessed to work with over the years, along with external bodies she has collaborated with but, most importantly, she offered a huge thank you to all the pupils who have shared a path with her over the years.

Mrs Carson has always ensured that the school has remained at the heart of the Woodford Valley community.

She has also contributed significantly to Wiltshire Education Services, helping new Head Teachers to settle into their roles and also advising Council Officers at the Schools’ Forum.

She has worked in partnership with other local schools and beyond to improve the educational provision for local children.

Governors are now seeking to recruit a replacement Head Teacher to take over the role from September this year.