Richmond School and Sixth Form College is preparing to bid farewell to six long-serving members of staff, including its headteacher and three senior leaders, at the end of the academic year.
Headteacher Jenna Potter will retire after eight years leading the school, alongside deputy headteacher Charlotte Wardle and assistant headteachers Leslie Richardson and Tony Potter.
The departures mark the end of decades of combined service to the school, with two other experienced teachers – French teacher Liz Merckx and Health and Social Care lead Caroline Dawson – also retiring this summer.
Judy Hooton, chair of the school’s committee, paid tribute to the retiring staff, saying they had led the school through a period of constant change in education with “enduring commitment”.
She said: “The world of education never stands still and as senior leaders, this fabulous and long-serving team has had to adapt, be proactive and remain positive. Their enduring commitment to Richmond School and Sixth Form College and the education of all students has been unwavering.
“‘To be the very best we can be’ is the foundational ethos of the school. Jenna, Charlotte, Les and Tony have all exemplified this aspiration throughout their time at Richmond.”
Mrs Hooton reserved particular praise for Mrs Potter, saying she had led the school with “passionate commitment” over the past eight years and was “held in high regard by the community of Richmondshire and the surrounding area”.
Mark McCandless, chief executive of Areté Learning Trust, said Mrs Potter had built “a strong, inclusive and ambitious school community” and had been a valued colleague across the trust.
Among the other retirees, Liz Merckx is stepping down after 32 years at the school. During her career she served as a French teacher, former head of year, lead learning manager and special educational needs co-ordinator.
Caroline Dawson, who joined the school in 2002, is also retiring after leading the Health and Social Care department since 2009, helping many students progress to further education, university and careers in the sector.
Richmond School and Sixth Form College thanked all six members of staff for their years of service and wished them “fulfilling and happy retirements” as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
