TWO long-serving school leaders are retiring after ‘many happy years’ at a Catholic primary school.

Jacqueline Hampson, headteacher, and Hilary Long, head of school, are taking early retirement from Our Lady & St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Maryport.

Mrs Hampson started her career at Our Lady’s as a newly qualified teacher in 1992, and stayed for three years before taking up a teaching post at Dearham Primary School. She returned to Our Lady’s as Deputy Head in 2001, before taking on the role of headteacher in 2003.

Mrs Hampson has been described as ‘a wonderful leader in school’, who has ‘always strived for excellence’ and has supported a great number of families throughout her time in school.

She has led the school during ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted and Catholic Diocese inspections and, despite these accolades, has never stopped working hard to keep improving the quality of education the school provides.

Alongside her work in school, Mrs Hampson has also supported the Diocese of Lancaster Education Services for a number of years – sharing her vast knowledge and expertise with her many colleagues.

Mrs Long joined Our Lady’s 20 years ago in 2003, after studying for a PGCE and carrying out a placement at the school – and never left!

Mrs Long has always been ‘clear’ and ‘committed’ in her values and vision within education and has worked incredibly hard over 20 years to give the children the best education, nurture and care possible.

She is said to be a role model for educators - showing others that kindness, compassion and understanding enhances education for all.

Jade Goodfellow, inclusion lead, said: “Their passion, commitment and dedication to the children and school community has always been at the heart of all decision making and Our Lady’s has thrived under their care.

“As a school we would like to thank them both for the countless lives they’ve inspired, minds they’ve shaped and hearts they’ve touched.”

Both ladies are looking forward to a more relaxed pace of life, having some time for their hobbies, and spending time with families and friends. They send their very best wishes to all at Our Lady & St Patrick’s for their continued success into the future.

The new management of the school is in good hands, with the appointment of Naomi Foster as Head of School, supported by Suzanne Smith as Executive Headteacher.