A HEADTEACHER and her husband have retired following over 20 years each at a north Bournemouth primary school.

Helen and husband, Howard Janda, who also worked as a teacher at the school, were both surprised with a special assembly on Friday, July 17, at Elm Academy LeAF Campus on Holloway Avenue.

She said: "It was a wonderful surprise. We've done half a century between us with Howard being at the school for 27 years and I've been here for 23 years.

"It has been really emotional and we have been overwhelmed by the love and support from people and I don't think that either of us realised how much they thought of us.

"It has been an absolute pleasure working at the school and the children, parents and staff have all been wonderful."

Mrs Janda said herself and her husband are not calling it a retirement as such 'as we don't feel old enough to retire, but it's more like an 'extended holiday'.'

She said that the children at the school will have some new outdoor play equipment to use after the summer holidays, which she described as having 'waited 23 years for.'

"One of our ex-pupils even took the day off work to come and speak to us about the difference of having Howard as a teacher had made.

"The school has gone from strength to strength. About six years ago, we were in special measures and we deserved to be because there were a few things that weren't quite right.

"Last year, however, we were rated by Ofsted as outstanding, which we are very proud of.

"We feel so privileged and honoured to have worked at the school. I've really enjoyed it. It has been a wonderful opportunity and I feel so grateful to have had that.

"The staff are truly outstanding and the children are truly lucky to have them."