Ilfracombe Infant School Head Christine Thompson to retire after 25 years

Local award-winning Headteacher Christine Thompson will be retiring at the end of this school term after 25 years at Ilfracombe Infants School.

Many locals have fond memories of Christine from their time spent in her class, as she started teaching at Ilfracombe Infants School way back in 1986. One of her old pupils told Ilfracombe People "I'll always remember my time in Mrs Thompson's class at the Infants School. She really cared about all of us individually and was so full of fun...but certainly wouldn't take any nonsense from us! I wasn't at all surprised when she was made Head of the school because she is such a fantastic teacher."

Christine's hard work and dedication to the children of the school saw her promoted to Deputy Head back in 1993, before gaining the Headship in January 2000. 

After 14 years of teaching classes, Christine showed no less commitment to her job as Head of the School, which was awarded 'Outstanding' status by Ofsted in the last two inspections. In recent years the school has twice been awarded the DfES School Achievement Award in recognition of their high standards, and hold an Artsmark Gold Award in acknowledgement of their work in developing the creative arts. The school also has an Investors in People Award and reached the finals of the TES Primary School of the Year 2009.

Christine's hard work at the school over the years has gained national recognition and has earned her the respect of both staff and students alike. In 2007 she was named Primary Headteacher of the Year for the South West of England and was wholly supported by pupils from the school. Their comments included "She always makes you feel good about yourself and is always full of encouragement" and "We love her. She was there when there was no-one else." Staff from the school were also quick to praise Christine's unwavering dedication stating "She is constant in her commitment to the school and never deviates from this."

Christine is well-loved locally and also won the "Positive Influence" and "Citizen of the Year" award in April this year at the Pride in Ilfracombe 2011 awards. Last Friday a tea party was held in her honour where dozens of colleagues from past and present turned up to wish the popular Headmistress a fond farewell and a happy retirement. Theresa Hodge, currently Deputy Head of the School will take over as Headteacher when Christine leaves at the end of term.