I truly believe I am institutionalised \u2013 I went to school, I went to Drama College \/ Teacher Training College and then I went back to school and I\u2019d never left. Why \u2026 is a story for another day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1 \u2013 Make the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Making the decision to retire was the hardest decision I have ever had to make, yet it was also one of the easiest. I had seen my school expand from 1.3 form entry to 2 f\/e and in my head I knew that I would go when the school was full, and in September 2022 it was full so that was decision made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2 \u2013 Start telling people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the decision had been made, the hardest part was telling people. Being in the same place for so long meant that I had built friendships as well as working relationships and I almost felt I was letting those people down by retiring. But I wasn\u2019t and I had to get that into my head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3 \u2013 Establish a Timeline<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The way forward was to have a timeline and I established this very early on with my Chair of Governors. I had spoken to her at the start of the academic year to share my intention with her. I wanted to give them the best chance to be able to recruit from a great \u2018crop\u2019 of candidates and to get the best successor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4 \u2013 If you have any doubts – Write to Yourself<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best piece of advice I was given was from my nephew, who told me to write myself a letter, telling me why I was retiring. Then I could refer to this in any moments of doubt \u2013 and I did!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, once I had told the staff, the governors, the parents and the children it was like a roller \u2013 coaster and it was going so fast I couldn\u2019t jump off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 5 \u2013 Don\u2019t be around during the interview process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I went away for a couple of days during the interview process and that helped to distance me from what was happening. I was very happy with their appointment and that made the transition time to handover much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But 41 years is a long time. I have seen off 7 US Presidents, 9 Prime Ministers, 10 Dr Whos, 30 Blue Peter presenters and 22 Education Secretaries; Education has changed beyond all measures. When I started there was no National Curriculum and no Ofsted. I\u2019d like to think the changes that have occurred were all for the better, but I can\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 6 \u2013 Find your own way through it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, as much as I\u2019d like to think I am irreplaceable, we all know we aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So how do you retire after 41 years? What happens now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone I speak to full of advice \u2013 go on holiday, don\u2019t take on too much voluntary work, don\u2019t take on any work, slow down gradually, etc. But I know I have got to find my own way through it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Close friends have said you\u2019ll just know when the time is right and now, after 41 years, I know that that the time is right now! And I also know that the old adage is true \u2013 The Queen is dead, Long live the King.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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