THE headteacher of Ringwood School, Chris Edwards, retires at the end of August following a 33-year career in the profession.

Following her 11 years and one term at the Parsonage Barn Lane school, Ms Edwards hangs up her hat at the end of August to make way for Leanne Symonds - the outgoing head at Purbeck School.

Since her first teaching role in 1983 in Derby, Ms Edwards was made Parkstone Grammar’s head of PE in 1987, then deputy head at Twynham School in 1997, before making the step to headteacher at Ringwood.

Married for only two-and-a-half years, Ms Edwards is now looking forward to travelling the world with her husband to take the gap year she always wanted.

She’ll continue to consult on education when time dedicated to gardening and golf allows.

Looking back over her career she said it was very difficult to pin down one exceptional moment of her teaching years.

“There are so many highlights when I look back,” she said.

“As a leader there is a chance to do so much more than just anticipate exam results.

“It’s about helping people find that one thing they are really passionate about.

“It must be the most noblest of professions because where else can you have such influence? It’s got to be the most rewarding thing.”

Under her guidance at Parkstone, some of her pupils even went on to compete in the Olympics.

At the recent Ringwood Town Council’s annual assembly, she was awarded a certificate of merit for the support she has given to the community over the years, ‘providing the town with a lasting legacy to be proud of’.

Ms Edwards has just one week left at Ringwood School with the pupils - as the last day of term is Thursday, July 21.

“Saying goodbye to the students will be incredibly difficult,” she said.

“I hear them ask why I’m leaving them and it’s gut-wrenching.

“But I’m focused on the things I want to do and I will always support them in one form or another.”