School's stalwarts reflect on 55 years

ALISON Watkinson (left) and Sue Webb

TWO long-serving members of staff are retiring from The Radclyffe School after clocking up 55 years between them.

Deputy head teacher Sue Webb is leaving this summer after 20 years and language teacher Alison Watkinson after 35.

Mrs Webb came to the school from Royton and Crompton, originally as head of religious studies. She had filled several roles before being appointed deputy in 2006.

Speaking about the highlights of her time at the school, Mrs Webb said: "It was a big thing to move to one site, bringing everyone together in the new school.

"The new building was a significant shift in the school moving forward. We were able to reinvent ourselves and give far greater opportunities for our students because they deserve it."

Amongst her favourite memories was the day she was took up the role of deputy head - "A fantastic moment, to be appointed to everything I'd ever wanted to do."

She also remembers moving into the new building, adding: "Staff were in for a few days before, but then we welcomed the students and it was wonderful seeing their reaction to such a fantastic place to learn."

The Ofsted inspection in 2015 was also a highlight. "It was such an amazing day when we got outstanding, and in every category. It was a pleasure to see how proud all the students were, wanting to tell everyone we were an outstanding school."

Having interviewed for several jobs in one week, Mrs Watkinson was delighted to be appointed to her first post in teaching at the school 35 years ago.

One of her first roles was to be in charge of lost property, a job that involved a lot of smells! Later she was appointed head of year, but at a time when the role of teachers was divided from pastoral roles, she made the decision to become a full-time language teacher, where she has been ever since.

A veteran of many trips to France, she recalls the coach having to be dug out of a muddy field, and an announcement on a cross channel ferry for someone from The Radclyffe School to come and reclaim their plastic lobster.

Mrs Watkinson is looking forward to giving time back to her family.

She added: "I'm really going to miss many people at this school.

"Teaching is never boring. I don't feel I'm the kind of person who could have taken a dull job, and if it had been samey I'd have given up a long time ago."