A DEPUTY headteacher who has taught three generations of a family is retiring after 45 years of service at the same school.

Angela Warburton, of Holy Trinity Primary School in Stacksteads, is retiring on Friday after dedicating more than two-thirds of her life to teaching.

Mrs Warburton, 66, became a supply teacher after finishing university and took a job at Tunstead C of E Primary School for a fortnight.

This job turned into so much more and Angela remained at the school as a supply teacher for about 12 months before being given a permanent role.

She said: “It’s very bittersweet. I don’t know how I am going to take it actually.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute and I have loved the people I work with. It’s been a pleasure to be here.

“I still love coming to school every morning. My morning will never be the same again.”

During her service, Angela has seen many changes to the school. In September 1986 the merger of Western County Primary and Tunstead School saw the beginning of Holy Trinity where Angela has remained for the rest of her career.

She has worked under the leadership of three headteachers, taught every year group from reception to year 6 and, in one case, ended up having taught three generations from a family.

Twenty years ago, Angela was given the position of deputy head. She added: “Part of me realised that I had been here a long time after I went to one of my first pupil's 50th birthday party.

"It’s nice that somebody remembers you from that many years ago, “I am now teaching grandchildren and I thought I didn’t want to end up teaching grandchildren so it was time to retire.”

Mrs Warburton said that every year she loves to see the year 6 classes move on after seeing them grow and develop through their time in the school – but also really misses them.

Although she will be retiring, when Covid-19 guidance allows, Angela plans to return to the school on plenty of occasions to visit and see her old friends.