THEY say things come in threes but at Fairfield High School it seems they go like that too as headteacher Chris Barker, deputy head Paul Brereton and science teacher Mike Walker all retired at the end of this term.

They officially stepped down after 76 years’ of combined service at the Peterchurch school following a celebration with parents, pupils, former pupils and friends.

A statement from the school said: “Their enthusiasm and ability to pass that on to others has inspired generations of pupils from the Golden Valley and beyond”.

Mr Barker became head in 1997 and introduced new education initiatives, GNVQ engineering and other ‘vocational curriculum’ options to classes during his time.

He also led the school to specialist arts and applied learning status, and through two “outstanding”

Ofsted inspections. His replacement is Susan Brearley.