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Dedicated and Inspirational Headteacher retires

After 27 years as Headteacher of Geddington C of E Primary School, Sue Spooner retires at the end of term on 23rd July. Her departure marks the end of an era in which her inspirational teaching has touched hundreds of children and her great vision transformed the village school.

When Sue Spooner initially joined Geddington Primary School in 1981, she taught in the Old School building from 1849 on the corner of Wood Street. Her fi rst class of 38 children was based in the largest room; this meant that all assemblies and lunches took place here, so lots of moving of furniture was involved! There were three KS2 classes in that building and no inside toilets. At that time, several prospective parents decided not to choose Geddington for their children because of these inadequate facilities coated in ivy and harbouring large spiders and snails. KS1 children were based in the red brick building on the other side of the road, next to a farm. There was no school hall and, each week, classes walked to the village hall for PE. How things have changed!

In 1986, the new school opened and Sue Spooner was appointed Deputy Headteacher and six months later Headteacher. The KS1 building, made of local bricks and dating back to 1894, became the school hall, and classes now totalled fi ve. Under her leadership and under one roof, the school became a close-knit community as teachers were enabled to work more collegiately to achieve high standards.

Over the years, whilst driving up standards of learning, Sue Spooner and her team worked tirelessly to improve the school environment for the children. This included the addition of two new classrooms, a computer suite, a library, extra working space, covered play area, garden, wildlife area, an increased and developed playground and sports fi eld. Geddington became a one-form entry school with seven classes, one for each year group, a life-long ambition of Sue Spooner’s. It was also the fi rst primary school in Northamptonshire to be awarded the Eco fl ag. When in 2011, the Local Authority agreed that Geddington should have a new hall, it was the culmination of a dream held by so many and refl ecting the vision Sue Spooner always had for the school.

Geddington C of E Primary School is at the heart of the village community. Over the years, fantastic groups of dynamic parents have worked hard to fund resources to enrich learning and teaching. ‘Stonking’ (Ofsted inspector’s quote) governors have given their time to ensure that standards are maintained, and inspirational members of staff have dedicated their time and efforts to make sure that the children enjoy learning, make progress and are more than prepared for what lies ahead.

Sue Spooner has found it a privilege to lead the school over the past 27 years and is more than grateful to those who have supported her. In return, former and current pupils, and their parents alike, can only thank her for a life-time of dedication and inspirational teaching which have sent our children out into the bigger world with the best possible start in life.

Sue Spooner, best of luck in your retirement -
you will be missed, but never forgotten!		 Dedicated and Inspirational Headteacher retires