Teachers retire after 67 years at same school

Three teachers who have notched up 67 years in the classroom at the same school in Liverpool are set to retire.

Headteacher Jeremy Barnes, deputy head Joan Maguire and higher level teaching assistant Clair Fealey all described working at All Saints Catholic Primary School in Anfield as "an absolute joy".

Ms Maguire, who has taught at the school for 15 years, said she felt "really sad" to be leaving, adding: "I've had such a wonderful time here.

"It's been a privilege to serve the children here and the community of Anfield but I do know I'm leaving the school in really good hands and I know it will go on from strength to strength," she added.

She said all the staff "look out for one another and we go that extra mile both for our pupils and for our staff" and she would take away with her "the joy and the laughter of being here".

Mr Barnes said the school had "gone from strength to strength" and it was "an absolute haven".

"I think the Ofsted team in March used that word, haven - a place of absolute joy - and it's a pleasure to be here," he added.

Mr Barnes said he had met past pupils over the last few days and what struck him was the fact they were "doing wonderful things, flourishing in their lives and in their careers, and that has made me so happy".

He said he was now planning to work part-time for the Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust, alongside inspection work and some writing.

Ms Fealey, who has been at the school for 33 years, said her abiding memory of her time there would be "the community spirit amongst the staff and children.

"I think it's second to none."

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