MRS Beryl Evans the head teacher at Presteigne primary school retired at the end of the autumn term.

Mrs Evans had been head teacher at Presteigne primary school for 15 years prior to this she was deputy head for seven years at Knighton primary school and been a teacher since 1975. She set out to become a secondary school French teacher and while training, she had an assignment just north of Paris teaching teenagers French.

The chairman of Governors Mr Tony Lancett in his speech praised Mrs Evans on her wide range of skills, speaking Welsh and French and a skilled piano player. She understands and communicates information bilingually in both spoken and written form, a natural leader always playing a support role to her team.

He went on to say “Beryl has always given total commitment towards her responsibilities as head teacher. Her leadership, guidance and ability to organise all areas of school management have aided in her drive to push academic standards to higher levels, which is proven by the current Green A 1 rating of the school, her dedication to duty of care of the children is evident in the happy faces seen throughout the school and respect that they have for her.”

The chairman of Governors then together with the school governors and on their behalf made a presentation to Mrs Evans.

Beryl will not lose all contact with the school as she has been appointed mentor to the school.

In her speech of thanks Mrs Evans mentioned every group involved with the school, thanking each individual section for their outstanding support over the years.

Refreshments were provided for everyone present, staff, governors, past staff and governors and friends of the school including several head teachers from other surrounding schools.