‘I’m a Celebrity’ challenge for retiring headteacher

5:30pm Monday 21st July 2008

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AFTER 40 years of classrooms and blackboards, headteacher Paul Read has finally called it a day.

He said farewell to staff and pupils at Sunning Hill Primary School, Daubhill, after spending almost half his career there.

Mr Read, aged 61, who lives in Beatrice Mews, Horwich, said: “I don’t know why I chose teaching — I fell into it by accident. But I have enjoyed it very much."

He moved to Bolton from Cornwall at the age of 12. He attended what is now Smithills School before going on to college in Coventry.

Mr Read started his teaching career at Red Lane Primary School in Breightmet before moving to Tonge Moor Primary School and the former Chalfont and Wolfenden Primary schools, both in Halliwell, which merged to become The Valley School.

Deputy headteacher Lesley Cooper said: “Mr Read is very modest but he has done many things and given children an opportunity to take part in everything.

“The exam results have risen and the school is over-subscribed — which is down to him being a fantastic leader. He will be very much missed by everyone.”

To mark his retirement, pupils organised fun games in which Mr Read played a central part.

These included a game entitled I’m a Teacher, Get Me Out of Here, which was based on the I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here TV series.

Full story in The Bolton News.