Head prepares to say farewell to school

9:30am Friday 28th November 2008

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A HEADTEACHER who has led one of South Gloucestershire’s smallest schools for 16 years is retiring.

Chris Williams is leaving Old Sodbury Primary School at the end of this term.

The head, who has 37 years' experience in education and still teaches Year 6 pupils two days a week, has seen the school rise to all sorts of challenges since he took over in 1993.

Mr Williams, 60, has seen the main school building totally gutted and refurbished to include a new mezzanine floor with an extra classroom and ICT suite.

He initiated the current project to improve the children’s play area at the back of the school.

He has also seen the school achieve the Artsmark award, healthy schools status and win the Active Mark for the variety of PE and activities on offer.

"One of the high points for me was when the school became the national St John Ambulance champions two years ago," said Mr Williams.

"Our Year 6 pupils receive first aid training and we had reached the finals for a number of years but to win, that was the big one."

Mr Williams, who took over the headship following a spell as deputy head at St Helen’s Primary School in Alveston, said he had stayed at Old Sodbury so long because the job had made him very happy.

He said: "The staff, children and parents make the school so special. I am most proud of the fact that although we are a small school, the children are up for everything. They are full of enthusiasm and always ready to have a go at anything.

"I have been very happy here and feel fortunate to have been head of this school."

The teacher, who lives in Wotton-under-Edge, is joining his wife and fellow teacher Carol, who retired from North Road Primary School in Yate earlier this year, in retirement. The couple intend to enjoy travelling and gardening.

Bernice Webber, senior teacher at another small school, St Andrew’s Primary School in Cromhall, will take over as head in January.