A HEADTEACHER who has been the “heart and soul” of her school has retired after almost four decades in the profession.

Lesley Parlane closed the gates of Clevelands Preparatory School for the last time last week bringing to an end her 12 years in the top job.

She said: “Although I will miss being in school every day I know that our saying, 'Once a Clevelander, always a Clevelander', will mean that I will be saying au revoir rather than goodbye. I am excited to open a new chapter in my life in which my husband and I intend travel to feature prominently.

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Mrs Parlane started her teaching career in 1980, taking up a number of positions in state schools.

She then joined Clevelands in 1999, two years before the school made its mile-long trip down the road to its current site in Chorley New Road. After just a year in the job she took up the role of head of upper school, followed three years later by the head of lower school.

On the retirement of Clevelands’ former headteachers, Glynis Mitchell, Mrs Parlane was promoted to the the top job in September 2007.

Mrs Parlane said: “The privilege of a headship at Clevelands has made it the very best job in education. The warm family atmosphere that has always characterised the school has continued to this day, and I am sure that my successor, Mr Keith Cahillane, will continue this going forward.”

Thanking Mrs Parlane for her time at the school, Clevelands staff said: “Our heartfelt thanks and good wishes go with her.”