PUPILS from Bowes Hutchinson’s and Cotherstone primary schools said farewell to their headteacher during a special church service.
Chris Matthewman retired after nine years at Bowes Hutchinson’s and about three years at Cotherstone after she became executive headteacher of both schools.
During her time at Bowes she has overseen significant development of the school property.
She said: “In the first year we improved the security and added an office. Then we had the teaching kitchen installed and we’ve just had all the toilets extended and a new toilet put in.”
The Friends of Bowes Hutchinson’s also supported an outdoor classroom and many fruit trees were planted in the garden.
Mrs Matthewman said: “We’ve had all the classrooms refurbished and new floors put in.”
The classrooms also have new modern whiteboards.
But it is not only the facilities that are first rate, the teaching at the school has also been top notch.
The school was rated outstanding by Ofsted prior to Mrs Matthewman’s arrival in the summer of 2013, and it is the only school in County Durham to have its top rating renewed. It is the third time on the trot that the school has ranked outstanding.
Cotherstone is also currently rated outstanding.
Mrs Matthewman said: “Both schools have excellent staff who work as a team. I am really proud of the staff.
“I will miss the affection and joy that the children give you and the camaraderie of the staff – it is those relationships you miss the most.
“I have had lots of cards and gifts, and warm messages that I will cherish.”
As much as the headteacher will miss the pupils, so too will they miss her.
Student council member Natasha said: “She is the best headteacher I have had because she is kind and caring.”
Sophia added: “She is fabulous and has always been a great headteacher.”
Mrs Matthewman will be succeeded as executive headteacher of both schools by Richard Batchelor who currently teaches at Cotherstone school.
She said: “I am really pleased about that because there has been that continuity. He is a good egg and he is really dedicated to the children and their wellbeing.”
Mrs Matthewman’s husband David will also be retiring at the end of the month and the couple plan to do some travelling and gardening, as well as spending more time with their three adult children.
