Gwen Lee

AFTER more than 20 years in the top job, a beloved headteacher has announced her plans to retire.

Gwen Lee, headteacher at Christopher Hatton Primary School in Holborn, told parents that she had made the “difficult decision” to leave the school.

In a letter to parents on Friday, Ms Lee announced that she would leave in December this year.

“I know I leave the school in a strong place, with an amazing staff, clear direction and a supportive community,” she wrote. The school’s governing body will now begin the process of recruiting a new headteacher.

“I will still be at the helm for a few more months… to make sure we have a vibrant summer and autumn term,” Ms Lee wrote.

“It has been a privilege to lead this wonderful school for over 20 years, helping it to grow and thrive,” she wrote. “I am very proud of the children who I have seen develop into Hattoneers over the years.

“Many keep in touch and have gone on to excel in their fields. My vision has always been to enable the children coming through to our school to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be able to make positive choices in their lives and to become active citizens.

“I have known many of our Christopher Hatton families for a long time. I love the diversity and harmony in our school community and will always remember the fun we have had together.”