A HEAD teacher who has presided over a Burnley school for more than two decades has announced he is to retire later this year.

Kieran Heakin, has been at St John the Baptist RC Primary School for 31 years, 21 of them as head.

He will retire at the end of the summer term.

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Mr Heakin, 63, who has had a distinguished career in education and is a former mayor of Whitworth, was subject of of a brutal attack in 2009.

Jermaine Bullen, an ex-pupil from his previous school in Whitworth who had held a 20-year grudge, attacked him, leaving him with horrific injuries, including a broken nose, fractured cheekbone and eye socket as well as cracked ribs.

However, Mr Heakin said that experience did not define his later years as a teacher and that he had forgiven his attacker.

Looking back on his career at the Thames Avenue school, he said: “I love Burnley and it’s people.

“From the moment I started here I’ve been treated warmly by parents and pupils.

“I describe the town as being like a ‘big village’ and I have experienced nothing but an open and welcoming attitude from the people here.”

With regard to changes in education since the start of his career, Mr Heakin said families face different challenges.

He said: “There’s more pressure on children and families today.

“When my career began there was less marital breakdown, more traditional working patterns for parents and less academic testing of the children.

“Schools now perform a greater pastoral role for children but I also believe the most important thing in eduction is a sense of humour and that a child’s school days should also be about fun and laughter.

“I also believe that church schools provide an excellent eduction.

“Our school reflects the town’s population and has Christian, Muslim and children of no faith who learn together.”

Turning to the assault that led Mr Heakin to be hospitalised and off work for more than three months, he shows a remarkable ability to forgive.

He said: “Jermaine Bullen, who attacked me, was released from prison in December and I wish him well.

“I hope he can get his life back on track and learn from his mistakes.”

Mr Heakin, who is married with three children, said he intends to devote more time after retiring to his role as a councillor in Rochdale, where he is the deputy portfolio holder for corporate services.