PUPILS at a Romsey school said goodbye to their headteacher after serving four years at the helm.
Headteacher at Romsey Abbey C of E Primary School, Julie-Anne Palfrey, was appointed to the role in April 2016 after joining the school since 2010 as a supply teacher, following her move from Buckinghamshire.
She was also a deputy headteacher at her previous school.
Now, the headteacher will be taking on her new role as headteacher of Wordsworth Primary School in Victor Street, Southampton.
Mrs Palfrey said: “I have enjoyed everywhere I have worked, but Romsey Abbey will have a special place in my heart as it is here that I have understood the importance of not just the children, but getting to know the families and community as well.
"I have been particularly moved by all the messages of support I have received over the last few weeks during what has been a challenge time for everyone.
"I am delighted we were able to welcome back almost every pupil in the school during the last few weeks of term."
She added: "Romsey Abbey School is a very special place to work, the amazing staff team all share the same absolute care for each and every child.
"I know this will continue, ably led by Tom Langford, our current deputy headteacher. "I will always remember my time at Romsey Abbey and could not have realised how special it would become when I worked my first day as a supply teacher here in April 2010.”
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Tom Langford said: “I have been deputy head of the school for the last four years and I am thoroughly looking forward to stepping up to the role of headteacher.
"The school is a caring and nurturing environment, where every member of staff knows every child, and I am very proud to be leading such an amazing group of staff and children from September.”
The school’s chair of governor’s, Liz Wagner, added: "We are delighted Julie-Anne has gained a well-deserved promotion and we wish her every success in her new role as headteacher of Wordsworth Primary School in Shirley, Southampton.
"We are naturally sad too because Julie-Anne has been a strong leader and brought the school to an really good position during her time as headteacher.
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"We are equally delighted, however, that Tom Langford has been appointed at acting headteacher for the next year and the governors have every confidence that the school will continue to thrive and consolidate the good progress under Tom’s capable leadership.”
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