SCHOOL'S out for a Preston teacher who is leaving her Longton home to renovate an old farmhouse in France's Loire valley.

Andrea Gibson will swap mounds of marking homework for months of DIY in a 15th century building after 24 years as a French teacher at Ribbleton Hall High School.

She will convert barns and sheds on the site into holiday homes and guest rooms.

Andrea said: "This has always been my dream. I've spent many school trips in France and had my year abroad in the Pyrenees when I was 20. It'll be like going home."

But despite her love of languages, Andrea says they're not for everyone. She welcomes a Government change of heart to soon allow pupils to choose to study French.

She said: "The National Curriculum has caused so much unnecessary stress and anxiety for absolutely no benefit to staff or pupils. It's jumping through hoops, forcing children to do languages when some struggle with their own. It should be up to those who know best - the teachers, parents and the pupils themselves."

But Andrea has few regrets. She said: "I'll miss my job. I've made some great friends and had some special times teaching, going on outings, doing practical projects with the kids.

"But what I've got to look forward to outweighs what I'll miss. Besides, there's lots to be done on the farmhouse!"

However, when Andrea does leave on February 27, it won't be 'adieu' forever. She'll join up with Ribby Hall pupils when they go on a school trip to Disneyland in the summer.

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