A MUCH-LOVED headteacher is retiring after 22 years at a Herefordshire primary school.
Anne Phillips started at Kington Primary School in the year 2000 after headships in south-west London.
Mrs Phillips then moved to Ross-on-Wye with her two daughters, and when the position came up in Kington, she was ready for a different challenge.
She has commuted the 34 miles from Ross-on-Wye to Kington ever since.
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She said: "It's quite a long way, but its a really lovely drive and you can really appreciate the beauty of Herefordshire as you go.
"When your destination every day is so amazing it's worth the journey."
Mrs Phillips was drawn to the town and it's people as soon as she visited.
She said: "Moving to a more rural primary school was certainly a culture shock after teaching in London, but it just felt like a really lovely school.
"As soon as I arrived, I just knew. From the very beginning I have been supported tremendously by the whole community.
"The school is situated right in the centre of the town and it is very much the beating heart of Kington.
Headteacher at Kington Primary School, Anne Phillips is retiring after 22 years.
Mrs Phillips has seen generations of kids come and go from the Mill Street school, including both of her children.
She now meets parents she taught who have children at the school, and even has a member of staff who she once taught.
She said: "It's quite surreal meeting ex pupils who remember little details like the music I used to play at assembly, it's amazing the things people remember after so many years."
Mrs Phillips will be passing on the running of the school to Emma Bretherton, who has been sharing Headteacher duties with Mrs Phillips for the past year.
Mrs Bretherton said: "We are all going to miss Mrs Phillips so much. She's the life and soul of the school, and a really tough act to follow.
"It's been great to share the duties with her the past year and to benefit from her experience and her support."
Shared headteachers at Kington Primary School, Emma Bretherton (left) and Anne Phillips.
Year 6 pupil Radu Ivan said that all the kids were going to miss her and he particularly remembers how she helped the school through the Covid restrictions.
He said: "It was really difficult during lockdown when we weren't able to come into school. But Mrs Phillips made sure everything went smoothly and made it a lot easier for everyone."
Year 5 pupil Theo Ameko said: "Ever since I started Mrs Phillips has always been there to talk to whenever I've needed to get something off my chest. It's going to be weird not having her around."
Mrs Phillips' last day will be Thursday July 21 and she is looking forward to seeing the school, which has around 200 pupils and rated good by Ofsted, progress after she finishes.
She said: "It's really exciting to see the next chapter for the school. We've got great staff and great kids and I'm sure its going to go from strength to strength."
"I have learnt from every experience, from every teacher, and every child that has come through those gates.
"I've loved every minute and it's been an absolute privilege."
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