THE headteacher is retiring from Padiham Primary School after 21 years.

John Hughes, who started at the Burnley Road school in 1973, is now working alongside teachers who he taught at the beginning of his career.

The 61-year-old, who moved to Burnley from North Wales when he started teaching at Gawthorpe Secondary Modern School, said he would most miss the ‘amazing children’ he teaches.

He said: “The best bit about the job is seeing how well the children have done.

“It is really satisfying and gives you a warm glow to see how many go on to be really successful.

“I have really enjoyed working at Padiham Primary School and I think that is because it is a very happy school.”

After 40 years in education, Mr Hughes is planning on spending his retirement travelling with his wife Judith, who retired from the deputy head post at Briercliffe Primary School in December last year.

They intend to visit Australia and the Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany.

Stephen Purtill will now be taking over as the acting headteacher until the governing body makes a decision regarding the leadership of the school.

Father-of-two Mr Hughes said: “Since I started my teaching career at Gawthorpe Secondary Modern School, as it was then, I have seen many changes in education and have had the privilege of working with many excellent teachers and lots of supportive parents.

“The children will be the memory I take away with me. It is seeing them come in at the age of three and then seeing them develop right through until the age of 11.

“I even have children whose grandparents I have taught.

“But it is now time to hand the baton over to someone younger.”

Mr Hughes will officially step down on July 19.