A headteacher at an Ipswich school said he was "overwhelmed" and "emotional" after more than 400 pupils and staff came together to perform a bunch of his favourite songs to celebrate his 22 years of service to the school.

Darren Gates has been teaching at St Matthew's Church of England Primary School in Portman Road since 2002.

After 22 years, including the last five being the headteacher, he is leaving the school at the end of the academic year.

Mr Darren Gates (centre) surrounded by staff at St MatthewsMr Darren Gates (centre) surrounded by staff at St Matthews (Image: Tom Cann)

Mr Darren Gates (centre) surrounded by pupils performing the flash mobDarren Gates (centre) surrounded by pupils performing the flash mob (Image: Tom Cann)

To show their thanks to Mr Gates, about 400 pupils and members of staff came together to perform a flash mob to three of his favourite songs, with teachers joining in also while wearing T-shirts with Mr Gates' face on them.

The staff and pupils have been practicing for some time to surprise their headteacher.

The 54-year-old said: "It was overwhelming.

Mr Darren Gates (centre) surrounded by staffMr Darren Gates (centre) surrounded by staff (Image: Tom Cann)

"It's really emotional. The school has changed massively since I started here but it's like one big family.

"I've been on a big journey too, starting working in early years and then went to deputy head and now headteacher and having a positive Ofsted result this year so it's a nice way to end."

Over the years, Mr Gates had to manage the Covid crisis - having lockdown come just one term into his tenure as headteacher - but also had lots of great moments.

Mr Gates during the performanceMr Gates during the performance (Image: Tom Cann)

Mr Gates is leaving the school after 22 yearsMr Gates is leaving the school after 22 years (Image: Tom Cann)

He continued: "When I first became head we won a Virgin Radio competition and we had Chris Evans visit the school, which was a big highlight and he broadcasted his show from here.

"It's really though seeing the children grow and thrive and move on to better things. That's the biggest and most important highlight for me.

"Our school motto is whatever you do, do it with all your heart, and the children leave here and they have that determination to do their best in life, and that's all I can ask for."

Mr Gates is leaving the school after 22 yearsMr Gates is leaving the school after 22 years (Image: Tom Cann)

Mr Gates during the performanceMr Gates during the performance (Image: Tom Cann)