A SOUTHAMPTON school bid farewell to its headmistress today.

Beverley Murtagh will serve her last day in her post as head at St Anne’s Catholic School and Sixth Form.

Under her stewardship since 2006 Mrs Murtagh has overseen a growing and changing period in the school’s history.

She has overseen two major capital projects including the school’s new science block in 2009 and the new Performing Arts Centre earlier this year. She also led the school through its conversion to an academy in 2012.

A spokesman for the Carlton Road school said: “Much loved by girls and staff alike, Mrs Murtagh has skilfully maintained the school’s high academic standards while promoting the spiritual life of all the pupils in her care, all the while staying true to the core values of the school.”

Katie Quick, 18, who has worked with Mrs Murtagh as one of two head girls said: “It will be really sad to see her leave. She’s been there since we started in Year 7 and it will be a different place without her. She is a big part of St. Anne’s.”

Mrs Murtagh is leaving the school to take up a job with Hampshire County Council. After the Easter break staff and students will welcome Lyn Bourne as their new head teacher.