BOXES of tissues had to be handed around the assembly hall at Ingleton School during an emotional leaving ceremony last week.
As well as saying goodbye to year six students, staff, pupils, family and friends bid a fond farewell to headteacher Judith Pressley, who retired after 27 years at the school.
Such was the impact Mrs Pressley has had on the community the assembly hall, which was strewn with balloons and banners, was packed with well-wishers including, many of whom she had taught over the years including her son and daughter, Alex and Helen.
Gifts were presented during the extended ceremony including a stone sun dial and bench, plants, and a school mug and tea towel. After a tearful speech Mrs Pressley gave the school a stone bird bath to be placed in the grounds in memory of former teacher Christine Bainbridge and Revd David Elleanor, who had a big impact on her during her tenure at the school.
Following the birth of her son, Mrs Pressley, a pupil at the school in the 1960s, began teaching part time at Ingleton School. After job sharing with the then headteacher, she was appointed teacher in 1998.
Mrs Pressley, who has taken early retirement so she can spend time travelling, said: “It’s just such a special place. It’s a wonderful community and it’s been a pleasure working here.
“I just want to thank all the children and the people in the school over the years for such a wonderful experience.” In fact it’s such a special place one of the first children she taught at the school is to become the new headteacher. Karen Whitaker, the deputy head, will take over the reins in the autumn.
Mrs Pressley said she will pop in from time to time and promised to send regular post cards from her travels. She will still be working in education on a part-time basis.
