A teacher who has spent 34 years in the same school has retired this week.

Romford Recorder: Deputy head Margaret Richardson is to retire from Goodrington SchoolDeputy head Margaret Richardson is to retire from Goodrington School (Image: Archant)

Margaret Richardson, 70, who has been at Goodrington School, in Walden Road, Emerson Park, since starting her teaching career, said “it has been a rewarding job”.

Romford Recorder: Deputy head Margaret Richardson with pupils from Goodrington SchoolDeputy head Margaret Richardson with pupils from Goodrington School (Image: Archant)

She started as a Year 1 teacher, then became deputy head and taught Year 2 pupils for the past 11 years.

She added: “I have enjoyed being with the children and passing on my knowledge. Children keep you young and you get different ideas from them.”

“I stayed with the school because of loyalty to my friends to start with and it gave a purpose to life to teach. And then I moved up within the school.

“This is a very good school that cares very much for the children who come here.”

But she added: “It has come to a stage in my life when I think I should retire and it would be good for younger people to do my job. The school probably needs input from younger people.”

She said she was looking forward to her retirement, adding: “I haven’t planned what I will be doing, but I will be looking after my garden more.”

Headteacher Rosalind Ellenby, who has worked with Margaret for 11 years at the school, said: “Margaret has devoted 34 years to the school and has always taken the time to listen to and encourage children.

“She has made a real difference to the lives of the children.”

The school and Friends of Goodrington School held a surprise afternoon tea on Monday for Margaret as well as a school summer fair.