Retiring Burnley teacher was an inspiration to many

Ian, 57, is retiring from Heasandford Primary School after over 28 years service at the end of this term.

He also found love at the Williams Road School, meeting his wife Gemma who was a nursery nurse there.

Six foot seven inch Ian admitted: “Teaching has changed a lot since I first started in 1980. I have taught thousands of students and have enjoyed it but now I am looking forward to having a break!”

Ian is a former St Stephen’s, Towneley and Burnley Grammar School student and trained at Poulton-Le-Fylde Teacher Training College in 1980.

His first job was at Larkholme Primary School in Fleetwood before he moved to Heasandford in 1988,

Sports-mad Ian has held a number of roles, alongside teaching, at the school.

“I was Chairman of the Schools Sports Association for 10 years, was the PE Co-ordinator, running after-school and weekend activities, and was also proud to be the National Union of Teachers representative for 36 years,” he said. Ian was recently temporary assistant head at St Mary’s Primary School in Bacup for a few months before returning to Heasandford this year. I will spend my retirement watching Burnley FC, gardening, walking, cycling and birdwatching,” Ian added.

Headteacher Jackie Hall said: “Ian has been a loyal and dedicated teacher and middle leader for 28 years at Heasandford Primary School. He will be greatly missed by all the staff, his friends and the children. We wish him all the very best for a long and happy retirement.”