RETIRING Herefordshire headteacher Clive Lambert has left his school in good heart after a successful tenure lasting 18 years and one term.

Mr Lambert took the helm at St Mary’s RC High School, Lugwardine at the turn of the Millennium since when numbers have risen from 601 to a healthy 750.

Under his watch, nearby Lugwardine Court has been acquired to boost the expansion and the school has benefited from a new oak-framed chapel in that time.

He understands the school has been “significantly over-subscribed” by parents keen to find places for their children.

As it happened, Mr Lambert’s departure from St Mary’s came just a few days before an Ofsted inspection.

The school, a ‘beacon of excellence’, was later deemed to be ‘good’ with inspectors pointing out that indications showed St Mary’s improving towards outstanding.

Over the years, Mr Lambert’s son and daughter Jessica and Joshua have been both pupils - at that time no fewer than 22 were pupils of staff members.

When he came to Herefordshire, where his wife, Gudrun already had family connections, Mr Lambert served as head of a middle school in Oxford before his move to Lugwardine.

For some time his remit also included headship of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary school, and Mr Lambert believes this record as headteacher of high, middle and primary schools to be unique.

He pays tribute to staff and governors at St Mary’s for their strong support.

On his school blog he has written: “We are blessed to work and learn in a place like this with its lovely rural environment.”

He continues: “I have also been fortunate to work alongside a most supportive governing body and conscientious staff who give the learning and care of the children the highest priority.”

He also praised county benefactor Clive Richards for his “substantial contribution” towards the building of St Mary’s new chapel, one of the highlights of his time at the school.

Mr Lambert’s wife and family have played an important role, he said. “My wife kept my feet on the ground.

“It’s important to have a strong and loving family in the background.”

Restoring the couple’s new home, a 1940s house in the West Midlands will occupy much of his time in retirement. There will also be more time to spend with the couple’s six-month-old granddaughter, Florence.