THE longest-serving headteacher in Accrington, who has taught three generations of families in the town, is set to retire at the end of the year.

Stephanie Grimshaw, who is in charge at Spring Hill Primary School, will step down from her post in December.

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Miss Grimshaw, who has been associated with the school for 33 years, has said a key concern for hers is the “constant demands” put on the school by the Government.

The 59-year-old said: “I will miss everything about the school, except the constant demands from the Government and the changes that accompany these.

“My main highlight has been the joy of teaching children.

“But another highlight has been teaching children and subsequently their children’s children. More recently, grandchildren of pupils I have taught have started at the school.

“This connection has allowed me to be in the unique position of knowing families well and I have been able to utilise this bond to more fully understand and help.

“There is almost an innate trust because of the time I have worked at the school and with our community.”

After starting as a class teacher in September 1983, Miss Grimshaw was selected as teacher adviser for PE in Lancashire between 1992 and 1994.

She returned to the school as deputy headteacher in 1995 ahead of taking on the role of headteacher in February 1997.

Miss Grimshaw is the only female headteacher in the history of the school, which opened in 1899.

She said: “I have enjoyed seeing the school move from strength to strength and being involved in the design of the new school, which was a much-needed and well-deserved asset to the community.

“I have had the privilege of working with so many talented members of staff, committed to children’s learning, who have made up an ever-changing but constantly strong team during my time at Spring Hill.

“The school is already moving on to even greater achievements and is ready for new guidance to inject energy, drive and enthusiasm to get there.”

With six months left in her current role, Miss Grimshaw is looking forward to working her way through her bucket list as well as attending events during term-time.

She said: “I am looking forward to attending Wimbledon, the Great Yorkshire Show, the Chelsea Flower Show and other term-time events.

“I will enjoy being out on a school night without worrying about the following day as well as spending more time with friends and family.

“Other exciting things to look forward to include gardening, socialising, cooking and entertaining, and especially not being ripped off with inflated holiday prices during school holiday periods.”

The application process to find her successor is set to close at noon on Tuesday, June 21.