Tributes as Reedley headteacher retires

Ruth Thompson took the decision to retire to spend more time with her family and friends and to pursue her hobbies, and in particular, her love of walking.

One of her final acts a headteacher was to open the new extension to the Reedley Road school before the summer break at a special assembly.

The ribbon was cut by the oldest child in school, Mubashir Shah, and the youngest child, Isra Mirza, along with past pupil, Amina Ansari, who is Head Girl at Marsden Heights Community College, representing all past pupils.

The project included four new classrooms, and the extension and remodelling of existing areas, with support from Lancashire Country Council who funded the project to provide additional pupil places.

Mrs Thompson said: “I’m proud to have been the leader of such an amazing team.

“We have brilliant staff and governors and such lovely children and supportive parents.

“It’s a real privilege to work with children and see them grow and develop.

“I wish the school every success going forward to support the next generations.”

Chairman of Governors David Leeming said: “The Governors would like to place on record its thanks to Mrs Thompson, the retiring head, for the excellent leadership and development of the school over the last 11 years.

“Pupil achievement has improved year on year and standards of teaching have gone from strength to strength.

“Her influence and leadership meant that the school was judged by Ofsted to be good with outstanding features and she leaves us with a strong base to improve further. We wish her a long and happy retirement.”