AN ‘overwhelmed’ head teacher received an emotional send off from all the pupils in his school with a surprise flash mob.
More than 600 children gradually joined together on the playground of Oakwood Avenue Primary School in Padgate for a heartrending performance of Elton John classic, Your Song, as a final farewell to their beloved executive head Gary Cunningham at his last week at the school.
The moving performance took place last Friday, 21, and began with soloist Tilly-Ann Nevin, a talented young pupil at the school.
In the well thought out plan, Mr Cunningham had been told to wait on the playground after school to watch Tilly-Ann perform a song.
The chorus of song grew louder and louder as more pupils piled onto the playground along with staff to sing the emotional ballad – much to his surprise.
Current head teacher, Joanne Reilly spoke of what an impact Gary has had on the school in his 14 years in the senior role.
She said: “He is moving on to become the CEO of our Trust full time and in doing this, he will not be based at Oakwood Avenue as our Executive Headteacher anymore.
“He has made such a huge difference and positive impact in his 14 years at Oakwood Avenue.”
A parent whose children have attended Oakwood Avenue also highlighted how Gary turned the school around.
Sam Birchall said: “He has made it a family school with good Ofsted reports. I am lucky to have had all three of my children attend under him as head teacher.”
Mr Cunnigham will officially leave the school and his role as executive head this Wednesday to go on as CEO for the schools Trust.
Joanne spoke of his reaction to the moving event, saying: “He was totally overwhelmed and surprised and there were lots of tears.
“The children were incredible in keeping it a secret and they were incredibly led by one of our senior leaders, Mrs Amanda Gale, who organised the whole thing.”
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