HEADTEACHER Julie Warburton has thanked staff and pupils at Cardinal Newman Catholic High School as she prepares to retire after more than 39 years in education.

The 60-year-old began teaching in 1979 as a drama teacher at English Martyrs in Orford, before becoming head of drama, head of year, and later moving to Cardinal Newman in Latchford.

In her 27 years at the school, on Bridgewater Avenue, the mum-of-two has seen thousands of pupils come through its doors as assistant head and as headteacher, for the past four years.

"I went into teaching because I loved working with kids and I loved drama," said Julie, from Leigh.

"I think if I'd have been left to my own devices, I'd still just be a drama teacher. It's only because of people that were in the leadership team that saw potential in me.

"It's been a really good journey, there has never been a dull moment. There's been times when its been tough and hard, but when you have a fantastic staff, which we have, an outstanding leadership team and governing body, it makes the job a lot easier."

Julie prides Cardinal Newman on its 'sense of community and belonging' and said the relationships in the school make it what it is.

She said: "Children come here and they know that they will be looked after. I always say to them all, 'we ask you to do three things, to care for one another, to look out for one another but more importantly, to love one another, and if they do those three you will be happy and then you will be successful'. And I think that is permeated through the school."

In her time as head, Mrs Warburton has led Cardinal Newman from an Ofsted rating of Satisfactory to Good.

This was awarded following an inspection in March 2016, and influenced her decision to bid farewell to the school.

She said: "I'm 60 now and I've decided the school is in a very good place, our Ofsted rating is good, we've been over subscribed for the past four years so our reputation in the town is very good. And I just think it's an ideal opportunity to leave.

"I'll miss the school and the staff dearly, but it's the right time. And I could of gone on and on, but there is another world out there."

Julie will resign from her position as headteacher at the end of the academic year on Friday, July 20.

"I'm grateful for the opportunities that everybody has given me, particularly senior staff and governors for putting their faith in me, because the responsibility of being a headteacher is huge.

"I never dreamed that I would be in this position, but I think that has helped because I've had my feet firmly on the ground.

"Everything I've got, I've worked for and that's what I hope to instil in the kids. It doesn't matter about your background, or where you come from as long as you work hard, you will be successful."

A farewell mass will be held at Cardinal Newman Catholic High School on Thursday, July 19 at 7pm and all are welcome to attend.

To attend contact the school office on 635556.