AN EAST Dorset headteacher has retired after 20 years in the role.

Miss Chris Goby started at Wimborne St Giles CE VA First School after working as a deputy head in Bovington, and oversaw big changes to the little school.

There are currently 51 pupils split into three classes, as well as a thriving pre-school.

Chris said: “When I first started here, we had pupils in the 40s, so we have grown.

“We have also added an upper floor in the time I’ve been here. We even used to have outdoor toilets when I first arrived, but fortunately that’s all different now too.”

Ofsted rated the school as good with outstanding features during the last inspection in the summer of 2010, while the pre-school was deemed to be outstanding.

“The inspector didn’t get any negative comments from parents whatsoever during the inspection, which was very special for us,” Chris said.

“I have also been exceedingly fortunate to have such wonderful teachers working here. Each of them has been appointed by me along the way, and a lot of them have been here with me for nearly 20 years. This school, and the people here, have been my family.”

Chris, who lives in nearby Blandford, will spend her retirement with friends.

“I will be picking up on lots of dear friendships,” she said.

“I also used to dress-make so I’d like to get back to my sewing. The other thing I’m particularly interested in is the University of the Third Age, which I’ve only recently heard about.”

Duncan Baxter, who is the deputy head at Wimborne First School, will be taking over from Chris.

She said: “I have absolute confidence that Duncan will do a wonderful job here.”

The head said she enjoyed her final week at the school.

“I haven’t actually thought about retiring all that much, because I’m afraid I’ll dissolve,” she said.

“But it’s been truly wonderful, and I will miss it here very much.”