Bishop Hendon Primary School bade a fond farewell to Toni Scott, a transformative teacher who has been a pinnacle of the community for many years, providing students, and their guardians alike, with an exceptional service both professionally, and personally.

The hall was ornately decorated, with cards handmade by the children, who were also included in photos with her, and the team. There was an overhead projection of kind wishes for Toni, with garlands of flowers wonderfully decorated around the outside edges.

The staff, and children, had also gone to an effort to attach lovingly crafted display boards for the event.

Several tables were filled with adult guests, in groups of between eight and ten per table. Scones, juices, and cream teas, were served amongst the attendees, and there were plenty of laughs and chatter resonating around the room. Whilst the group seemed delighted to see Ms Scott, they were invariably sad to witness her exit too.

Colleague Miss Shepherd bought who had bought Toni gifts and flowers, commented, “She has committed 26 years of her life as a teacher, for 15 of which she was a head teacher. She made the most amazing changes to the school, in particular the sporting facilities, by adding play equipment, a sports court, and designing after school and extra-curricular clubs.

“She was a fond traveller, hence why her cake has a picture of a lady sunbathing on the top of it. She took children to Hungary, China, and Belarus. She has always been a dedicated, well loved, member of the community respected by all, ever since she started.”