CHILDREN and staff at a Cookley school bid a fond farewell to their “inspirational” head teacher who has retired after more than two decades.

Martin De Vine stepped down from his role at the helm of Cookley Sebright Primary School on Thursday (March 29) after 22 years in the post.

Current deputy head Vickie Crisp will take the reins when the new term starts after the Easter holidays. The school held a ‘This Is Your Life’ special assembly on his last day to mark his career.

Mr De Vine, aged 59, said he will be spending more time with his family but will maintain the connection to Cookley Sebright by visiting the school in Gambia which they have sponsored and help develop.

He started his teaching career in Dudley in 1980 and Cookley was his first head teacher role, overseeing the development of new school buildings and seeing pupil numbers almost treble during his leadership.

Mr De Vine said: “Cookley has been a hugely important part of my life for 22 years. I will miss it very much as we have been one big happy family here. I’m very proud of everything that has been achieved here by everyone.

“Our ethos here is about nurturing and caring and the greatest satisfaction I have had here is seeing the fantastic children go on to bigger things and become well rounded people who think of others.

“I’ve received so many gifts from parents, staff and pupils and I really didn’t expect such a send-off.”

Rachel Meredith, Key Stage 2 Phase Leader, added: “He has been an absolutely superb head teacher and he will be sadly missed.

“Not only has he instilled a great ethos, he has placed the school at the heart of the community. He also had fun by playing April Fool’s jokes on everyone!

“Students and staff have all been inspired by his leadership and he has put us in such a strong position that we can continue to build on.”