A POPULAR headteacher will bid a fond farewell to pupils today (Friday) as she retires after 35 years.

But Anne O’Connor, head at Holy Family Catholic Primary School, plans to spend her holidays looking after more children - this time ones of her own.

The grandmother-of-five said: “I think I’ll spend time looking after my children and grandchildren and will look at travelling, maybe in the Far East or a train trip. I also need to get to grips with my neglected garden!” Mrs O’Connor joined the Langley school in 1973. She later took time out to look after her three children before rejoining the school and later becoming headteacher in 2001.

The school has paid tribute to her 'every child matters’ mantra, saying her commitment has always been to the children in her care and the wider community.

Mrs O’Connor, who moved to Langley from Ireland in 1958, aged six, added: “I’ll miss the children and my wonderful colleagues. The best thing about the job is seeing the learning happening - especially for children who have struggled. And all the fun times we’ve had, Christmas nativities and Year 6 productions. It’s great to have been a part of people’s lives.” She will also celebrate her 40th wedding anniversary with husband Denis in August. Sara Benn, head at St Catherine’s RC Primary School in West Drayton, will take over in September.