PUPILS at St Matthew’s CE Primary School in Stretton have said goodbye to their head and deputy head teachers, as well as the school's longest-serving class teacher.

On the last day of term, head teacher Hazel Fryman and deputy head teacher Julie McClellan, both 58, retired.

Hazel became head teacher at St Matthew’s in January 2012, having previously been assistant head at Grappenhall Heys Primary School and deputy head at Grappenhall St Wilfrid’s Primary School.

During her time in the role, she led the school from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’ in Ofsted inspections, developing the school’s curriculum and introducing new residential trips and pastoral activities.

Julie began her working life in retail management with Rumbelows and the financial sector, before a career change to become a teacher.

She rose through the ranks at St Matthew’s to become deputy head and has been popular among pupils for her passion for sport.

She coached the school’s netball and football teams to success at tournaments and led pupils through cross-country events.

Meanwhile, class teacher Mari Williams, 53, has spent her entire teaching career at the school.

She began as a newly qualified teacher in 1989, and has been at the heart of the school’s community ever since

Mari was the school’s special needs co-ordinator and was passionate about nurturing pupils.

She and her husband, Richard, both served on the school’s parent teacher association (PTA) and were also governors, while their own two children were pupils at the school.

Speaking on behalf of the remaining staff, teacher Louise Craddock said: "All three have been very hard-working and dedicated to the school.

"They have helped to foster relationships between the school, church and community.

"They will be greatly missed by us all."