PUPILS, parents and members of staff have bid a fond farewell to the retiring head teacher of a village school.

Pam Simpson, the much-loved head of Kimpton, Thruxton and Fyfield C of E Primary School, retired at the end of the autumn term after four-and-a-half years at the school.

Mrs Simpson has worked in several schools in Hampshire as well as in Germany.

The chairman of governors, Margaret Rome, said: “I had an excellent working relationship with Pam and I know all who have experienced her total involvement, commitment and enthusiasm will join me in wishing her a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

The school is currently working in collaboration with Amport CE Primary School, with Bernadette Fleet working as executive head teacher across the two schools for at least the next two terms.

Mrs Fleet said “I have worked alongside Mrs Simpson in my role as head teacher of Amport CE Primary School as both Amport and Kimpton schools are part of the same cluster of rural schools.

“In seeking a new head teacher for Kimpton the governors of both Kimpton and Amport are taking an innovative approach to the leadership model of both schools and I see this as a truly exciting development opportunity for all stakeholders of both schools’ communities.”

Jane Rimmington, school business manager, said: “We are all missing Pam very much but one thing we are used to in education is constant change.

“The staff are excited about the possibilities in store and know that Mrs Fleet will be planning to build on the firm foundations that Mrs Simpson has in place as we continue on our journey towards an outstanding future.”