HEADTEACHERS at two new Bromsgrove schools have confirmed that they will be retiring this school year.

John Graham, who has been Parkside Middle School’s head for 11 years, will leave at Christmas, while Pam Townsend’s eight-year spell as head at Meadows First will finish next Easter.

Pam said she had loved her time at the school and would “miss it dreadfully.”

She revealed that she had decided to delay her retirement so she could oversee a smooth transition to the new school.

“Myself and John are the only headteachers left from when the PFI project began and we were determined to see it through,” she said.

Pam added that she had worked with a ‘brilliant staff’ and thanked parents and children for a super time during her eight years.

John Graham, who joined Parkside Middle School in September 1997, said his role in the move to the new building had been a proud achievement. “No pupil should be taught in a dark, Edwardian building. This new school is fabulous, light and modern.” John revealed that he had taken only 20 days off in 40 years of teaching. He is looking forward to retirement and next year meeting his Australian grandson who he has never seen.

With the loss of headteachers of two schools based at the same Stourbridge Road site in close succession, a spokesman for Worcestershire County Council denied that there were plans for a so-called ‘super-head’ for both schools. But he added that they never “rule anything out” and the matter would be considered if it was called for by governors of both schools and felt it could improve children’s education.

Interviews for both positions are now underway.