Retiring East Preston head teacher has loved every second

Retiring head Andy, who joined the school, in Lashmar Road, more than 23 years ago, said he was “privileged” to have served there and that he has made memories that will last him a lifetime.

However, speaking to the Gazette on Friday, Andy revealed that he had never intended to stay at the school for such a long period and that it was the school’s fun-loving community that had captivated his heart.

“I came here originally as deputy head intending to stay maybe three or five years. But the whole community of East Preston – its pupils, staff and parents – just held me here and I have been so happy at the school.

“I decided there was plenty to do and achieve for the children, that’s why I’ve stayed for 23-and-a-half delightful years.”

Andy grew up in Lincolnshire but moved down to Bognor Regis, to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher, in 1976, completing his teacher training at the Bognor Regis Teacher Training College, three years later.

His first post was at the Laburnum Grove Junior School, in 1979, before eventually moving to East Preston in 1989.

Andy explained that there were so many moments that would stand out during his time at East Preston.

However, one of the things he is most proud of is the school’s 11-year, unbeaten record at the Littlehampton and District Swimming Gala, held each summer at the Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre,

“There are so many occasions that stand out – individual achievements for different children, group achievements for the school.

“But I’m particularly proud of winning the swimming gala for the 11th year running this year.

“That’s why I came into teaching – to make a difference to children’s lives and build an environment where fun was at the core of everything we do. That’s what I believe school should be – enjoyable.”

Andy is now looking forward to his retirement and hopes to go travelling as well as taking care of more pressing matters like the household gardening, too.

He said: “I’d like to give a massive ‘thank-you’ to everyone at the school. I’ve always felt that I’m the custodian of the school and not the head teacher and that my role and duty is to try and maintain its good reputation and put it in a better place than when I found it.”

East Preston’s deputy head, Kathy Lockyear, will start as the school’s new head teacher, in September.