STAFF and students at Birchwood High School are preparing to pay a fond farewell to their leading light.

At the end of this academic year, Sheila Yates will be stepping down from her post as head teacher of Birchwood Community High School.

Mrs Yates is a founder member of the school, having been deputy head teacher when it opened in 1985.

She became the head in 1989 and under her leadership the school has gone from strength to strength.

After leaving London University, Mrs Yates' first teaching job was in Warrington, and she has spent 29 out of 30 years in education working in the town she now sees as home.

In 1997 she was briefly seconded to help set up the new unitary Education Authority.

Each time the school has been inspected Mrs Yates' leadership has been described as outstanding and visionary and this is evidenced by the accolades the school has received including Education Establishment of the Year in 2005 at the Education Show.

Although stepping down as head, Mrs Yates will continue to support the school until December to ensure a smooth handover to her deputy, Anne Bright, who is taking over.

Mrs Yates said she appreciated the support she has received from organisations such as Birchwood Town Council and the Birchwood Forum.

She said: "It has been a pleasure to be able to play a part in the development of Birchwood and I am very proud of what we have together achieved."

A social event to mark Mrs Yates' achievements is being held on Friday, July 14, and an assembly is also being held on Friday, July 21.

Anybody who would like to come along to either of these events should contact Jane Calderbank on 827322 or, alternatively, e-mail the school at info@birchwoodhigh.warrington.sch.uk