A RETIRING headteacher at a Chipping Sodbury school was given a surprise send-off by 400 of her pupils on Monday, July 17.

Alison Wood, who has worked at Raysfield Infant School for 11 years, suspected that something was in the works when she was greeted by numerous “cheeky smiles” on the playground.

Later that day, she walked out of her office to discover that staff and pupils from both Raysfield Infant and Junior schools had been planning a “Secret Walk” in her honour.

The surprise went down a treat, and both schools enjoyed a pleasant stroll to Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church, where they sang some of Alison’s favourite songs including “Story of my Year”.

Speaking to the Gazette, Alison said that the event was “the best leaving gift possible”.

“It’s the first time that the children from both schools have sang together and it was such a wonderful way to mark my leaving.

“I was overwhelmed with emotion and had to quickly text my husband as I watched them sing because it was so lovely.

“It’s amazing that the children managed to keep it as a surprise, although I did notice a few more smiles on the playground that morning.

“I would like to thank Rachael Cann for organising this event and all the staff, parents and Governors who walked alongside the children and joined in the singing.”

Alison, 61, has a long history with Raysfield, as she worked as a parent helper at the school for seven years while her son was a pupil.

She started a career in teaching when she was 36, working at Wellesley Primary School in Yate before going on to work for the council in an education role.

However it wasn’t long before her heart pulled her back into the classroom, and she took a position at Raysfield Infants School 11 years ago.

She said: “I am very proud of my years as Head of Raysfield.

“I will miss everyone so much and wish everyone, including the new Executive Mrs Louise Lewis all the very best for the continued success of Raysfield.”