A KEIGHLEY primary school head teacher is retiring after 33 years in education.

Bill Bairstow, who has been the head at Eastwood Primary, in Lawkholme, for nearly 10 years, will be retiring from his post tomorrow. (Dec 19)

Speaking shortly before his departure, he said: "Working here has been a wonderful experience all round. It has been great to be involved with the children, staff and parents."

Mr Bairstow, who lives in Baildon, began his career in education as a teacher at Green Lane First School, in Bradford. He subsequently moved to Princeville Primary, in Bradford, where he was promoted to the role of deputy head teacher.

He then spent three years working as a numeracy consultant for Bradford Authority. He was head teacher at Hothfield Junior School for nearly five years before taking on the same role at Eastwood Primary.

"I came here because a lot of my experience before had been in primary schools and I really missed working with the younger age group," he added.

"We've seen a lot of changes here at Eastwood and made many improvements.

"It's now a very good school with outstanding features, that's really thanks to the staff, parents, governors and of course the children. They've all embraced any changes we've put in place.

"The head teacher's job has always been complex and it does have its challenges.

"But I've loved every aspect of it. It is a very rewarding job to be in.

"Now I'm retiring I still intend to do little bits of work in a support and advisory role with a number of schools, but at the moment I don't know the extent of that."

He said beyond his future work plans he was looking forward to having more time to go on holiday and to enjoy some gardening.

He added: "The school will be left in the capable hands of one of the existing deputy head teachers, Suzanne Carter, who will be acting head for a period to secure the future of the school and to continue the good work done by our staff in recent years.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to the whole school community for their support, encouragement and kindness over the years. I will miss them.

"It's been a very difficult decision for me to leave, but I'm going with no regrets at all. It's been a fantastic job and I loved every minute of it. I'm looking forward to heading in a new direction."