Head teacher leaves St. Nicholas after 13 years

Head teacher at St. Nicholas CE Primary School, Mrs Marion Morgan, is retiring at the end of the summer term after 13 years at the school.

Chair of the Governors, Mrs Kathy Tuggey, said: "We are very sad that Marion is leaving. She has done so much for the school, creating a happy and secure environment where children really want to learn.

"Her work leading the school culminated recently when the Chief Inspector of Schools picked out St. Nicholas as a particularly successful school."

Of the 3,500 primary and nursery schools inspected last year, just 220 were selected for that "highly successful" description. All 220 schools received outstanding Ofsted inspection reports and performed well in national tests (SATs).

At the time, Mrs Morgan said: "This news from Ofsted recognises everything we offer our pupils, academically, socially and spiritually. We do believe that things like football, netball, singing, music, drama, art and chess need not be sacrificed in order to get high tests results."

The outstanding Ofsted inspection report in 2001 praised the "very good leadership and management" by Mrs Morgan and teaching team leaders. A separate inspection of the school's religious education was also glowing.

The school has announced that Mrs Christine Hyatt, deputy head at St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Maidenhead, will succeed Mrs Morgan in September. Mrs Hyatt previously worked in a number of small primary schools in the Marlow area where she taught at all levels.

Mrs Tuggey said: "We believe she will be a highly professional head teacher, with excellent personal qualities in working with staff, children and parents.

"She is a committed Christian who fully supports our small school ethos. We believe she has all the attributes to take St. Nicholas forward." Mrs Hyatt has children at secondary school.