Much-loved Jarrow headteacher to retire after 36 years in teaching

A headteacher of a Jarrow primary school will say goodbye to education as she retires after 36 years.

Moya Rooney, headteacher of St Bede's Catholic Primary School in Jarrow will spend her last day with staff and pupils on Friday, 22 December before she starts her retirement.

Moya was always interested in becoming a teacher and began her teaching career back in 1987 at St Joseph's RC Primary School and taught at the school for over 20 years.

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She then took on the headteacher role at St Bede's in January 2010 and has remained at the school ever since.

She said: "It's been such a rewarding career teaching so many children over the years and I'm really going to miss the job."

Moya decided to take up retirement after recently turning 60 and plans to spend her free time with family and enjoying holidays.

To mark Moya's retirement a special assembly will take place to celebrate her career, thank her for her time at the school and say farewell.

Moya added: "I've enjoyed every minute of this job and the children have been wonderful. All week I've been receiving gifts which is lovely.

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"Having an amazing set of staff has helped massively during my time as headteacher."

Moya has seen a number of successes during her time as headteacher at St Bede's such as 'Good' rating by Ofsted, given the stamp of approval for quality of Early Years provision and winning British Council’s prestigious International School Award three times.

The school which is run Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust will see deputy head Mr Hurst take over as headteacher for the next two terms.