BICESTER: A headteacher who has served her school for almost two decades is to retire in December.

Cynthia Bartlett, above, joined Bicester Community College, Queens Avenue, as deputy headteacher in 1991 and was promoted to head in 1996.

She plans to leave the school in December.

In a letter to governors and parents Mrs Bartlett, 60, said: “I have been blessed by working with so many talented and dedicated teachers who have had the interests of the students and the community at heart.

“I continue to be amazed and greatly encouraged by wonderful young people who have talent and determination and who leave the college clearly able to contribute to the communities in which they live and work.

Chairman of governors Roger Dyson said it would be a “challenge to find another headteacher of comparable qualities.”