A HEADTEACHER who turned a Romsey school around and brought it out of special measures will be leaving next week for a new job.

Louise Rosen will be saying goodbye to pupils past and present when she leaves Romsey Abbey Primary School for the last time on Thursday (March 24).

When the 47-year old took over nearly six years ago the Church Lane school had been slated by education watchdogs.

But the mum-of-two said the community around the school were determined to make sure it was better for the children.

“Everyone just pulled together, it was amazing,” she said.

“Despite people feeling exhausted from trying to turn it around, upset at how it had come to such a state of affairs, they were so willing to make sure they could do everything possible they possibly could.

“The children made huge leaps in their learning.

“It was hard work but incredibly rewarding. There’s strong relationships in the schools. Everybody’s working super hard. It was as special place to work.”

The following year the school was rated good for the first time and now it is looking at a strong academic record too.

Earlier this year the school received a letter from the Secretary of State for Education for its SATS results last year.

“To get that letter before I leave; I was surprised but pleased it was really nice to get that,” she said.

She said she and her husband Michael, son Elliott and daughter Hermione, will miss Romsey.

She leaves to take up a head teaching post in Norfolk.

School governor, the Vicar of Romsey, Canon Tim Sledge, said: “The impact that she’s had, the changes that she’s made, the different direction of travel that the school has been on, she’s achieved all this and more in five years.

“She’s picked up the school and turned it into one of the most successful in Hampshire.”

He added: “She will be hugely missed. There’s a fantastically-strong committed staff team there, she leaves a great legacy.”

Deputy headteacher Julie-Anne Palfrey will take over next term.

She said: “I have high expectations for children in the core areas of reading, writing, maths and science, while maintaining an exciting and vibrant curriculum that includes all other areas.

"I have really enjoyed the challenge of writing a new curriculum that ensures all children are successful in their learning.

“I'm delighted to be appointed headteacher and relish the chance to lead an outstanding community of students and staff.”