THE headteacher of an Abingdon primary school has been given an early retirement present.

Susan Gore, headteacher of Carswell Primary School in Bostock Road, is set to finish her teaching career at the end of the school term after 37 years in the profession.

And she will be going out with a bang, having just received news that following a recent inspection, Ofsted have judged the school as good – it was satisfactory at its previous inspection in March 2009.

Mrs Gore, who is 58 and lives in Witney, said: “We have worked very hard over the last three years to raise achievement and we have certainly improved the teaching.

“We have had focused learning using assessment to improve the actual teaching within the classroom, and generally improving behaviour in the school as well as attendance.”

There are 204 children at the school.

Inspector Krishan Sharma said in his report: “Its capacity to improve is now much stronger and this has contributed to its success.

“It is not yet outstanding because not all aspects of teaching, monitoring and evaluation are of the highest possible standard.”

He said senior and other leaders and the governing body had remained focused on improving pupil outcomes, and on the quality of teaching and learning.

Chairman of governors Karen Cackett said: “Governors are delighted that the school is now recognised as a good school, especially as the new Ofsted framework is very rigorous.

“Governors, staff and pupils, supported by parents, have worked very hard to move the school forward.”

“This is a fantastic end to Susan Gore’s 11-year headship at Carswell. Governors thank her for all her hard work over the past 11 years and wish her well for her retirement.”

Prior to working at Carswell, Mrs Gore was deputy headteacher at SS Mary and John Primary School in Oxford, spending 20 years in total teaching within Oxfordshire.

She said: “Although I will be sad to leave, the fact I am leaving the school in a very good position makes the leaving not quite as sad.

“I will miss the children and all their funny little quirks, and I have had some fantastic support from parents, staff and the governing body.”

“Its capacity to improve is now much stronger and this has contributed to its success.”

Mrs Gore said she planned to spend some time at her house in Spain during her retirement, and with her two grandchildren, who live in Witney.

A new headteacher, Tina Farr, has been appointed to start in September.