A well-known headteacher from Salisbury has been given a send-off to remember with students, colleagues and guests holding a service at Salisbury Cathedral.

Friends of Bishop Wordsworth's School took part in a ceremony to honour the 26 years of service of headteacher Stuart Smallwood, who announced his retirement from his position at the school.

Dr Smallwood took up the position of deputy Head Master in 1998, before being promoted to Head Master of the school in 2002, a position he has held for the past 22 years.

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Students, staff and guests attended a packed cathedral on Tuesday, July 9 to give the well-known local figure a send off to remember, with students lining paths and flooding Dr Smallwood with applause and well-wishes for his retirement.

Bishop Wordsworth's students lined the grounds of the Salisbury Cathedral Close to mark Dr Smallwood's retirementBishop Wordsworth's students lined the grounds of the Salisbury Cathedral Close to mark Dr Smallwood's retirement (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

Friends gathered at the school, where a plaque was unveiled by 2023/24 head boy Youssef Elmorsy to unveil a room at the school had been renamed the 'Smallwood Study Room.'

Stuart Smallwood said: "I've really enjoyed my time here, and have been lucky to enjoy a long career working at a school like this, with so many bright youngsters, and equally fabulous staff who genuinely want to see young people do amazing things.

A service was held at Salisbury CathedralA service was held at Salisbury Cathedral (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

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"It's been so rewarding personally, and the last 26 years have seen the school itself grow significantly, and has probably grown by about 40 per cent since.

"Also now we have lots of girls in the sixth form which we previously never had, which has been a welcome development to the school. It's a very strong place, its academic standards are strong, and the amount of youngsters looking to come here is very large.

"The success of the youngsters remains undiminished, with the school holding a strong position in the centre of Salisbury. It is a great position for the school to be in.

"I wish everybody here the absolute best of luck in the future and the best of luck to my successor, Matthew Morgan, who will start at the school in September. I know he will be great."