THE headteacher of a Hereford school has retired.

Sara Catlow-Hawkins' time at the Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School on came to an end earlier this month.

She was first appointed as headteacher at the school in Tupsley in September 2007.

Mrs Sara Catlow-Hawkins released a personal statement to parents, staff and pupils which said: "My decision to retire has been taken to enable me to concentrate on my commitments to my family. I am grateful that this has been agreed to so promptly.

"I have had a long career in teaching shaped by my belief in the worth of each and every student. This has been both a responsibility and a privilege. I believe that this enables Bishop's to stand out: we provide an education which stretches the mind, strengthens the body, enriches the imagination, nourishes the spirit, encourages the will to do good and opens the heart to others.

"Young people come in very many shapes and sizes with all sorts of personal situations. What we are charged to do is work with the next generation of citizens: factory workers, community leaders, parents, business leaders, etc to enable them to make positive decisions and make a positive contribution to the world they live in.

"I do wish our school every success in the future. I thank all staff, governors, students and their families, and the community for their commitment to BHBS."

She finished the statement with a prayer.

The chair of governors, Tim O'Byrne, has asked Martin Henton to continue as acting headteacher until governors appoint a new headteacher.

Mr Henton and Peter Gibbins, both deputy headteachers, had been leading in Mrs Catlow-Hawkins' absence since the last part of the autumn term 2017.

Mr O'Byrne said: "I would like to thank Sara for all her hard work and dedication to Bishop's, especially her commitment and belief in all the students who she has seen through the school over the past 11 years."

The last Ofsted inspection at the school in February 2017 said the school required improvement compared to a 2012 Ofsted visit which rated the school as good.

Meanwhile, Stuart Wetson has started his role as headteacher at St Mary's RC High School in Lugwardine. He was previously headteacher at Dyson Perrins Church of England Academy in Malvern.

Paul Shannon has been acting headteacher for a term since Clive Lambert retired.