THE end of the summer term saw the retirement of Richard Nichols as headteacher at Halesworth Middle School.He had held the post for six years, taking over in September, 2002, when he quickly got to know all the children and set in motion plans to take the school forward.

THE end of the summer term saw the retirement of Richard Nichols as headteacher at Halesworth Middle School.

He had held the post for six years, taking over in September, 2002, when he quickly got to know all the children and set in motion plans to take the school forward.

At a retirement presentation to him, pupils and staff heard that the changes over the past six years spoke for themselves and Mr Nichols could look back with a sense of pride. One example of his impact was on teaching and learning which had been greatly enhanced through the installation of interactive white boards. They had helped raise standards in a number of areas and continued to help teachers to make lessons more active for pupils.

As well as developing the way teachers and pupils learnt, Mr Nichols has supported the tremendous extra-curricular programme the school offers, and also increased links with the community.

“He has used his love of sport to inspire pupils and they have also enjoyed his sense of humour. Mr Nichols is going to be working throughout Norfolk and Suffolk in an advisory capacity, helping schools to identify ways to move forward and supporting them in making changes,” said deputy head Laura Schultheiss

At the leavers' assembly she presented him with gifts which included a certificate from the pupils outlining his strengths and setting targets for the future.

She said everyone involved with Halesworth Middle School was grateful to Mr Nichols for all that he had done for the school and wished him every success with his future projects.

From next term the school is being run in a federation involved Bungay Middle and Bungay High schools, with the high school head, Shaun O'Neill, as executive headteacher.