HOLYWELLS teacher Polly Rodwell will be leaving the school at the end of term after 35 years in teaching but not before receiving an Excellent Teacher's Award.

HOLYWELLS teacher Polly Rodwell will be leaving the school at the end of term after 35 years in teaching but not before receiving an Excellent Teacher's Award.

Mrs Rodwell, was nominated for the award on a website visited by former pupils.

She said: “I have no idea who it was and initially thought it was one of the staff who had done it as a retirement gift.

“I was more embarrassed than anything because there are so many other deserving teachers here. But it's lovely to know you are appreciated for what you do.”

Mrs Rodwell has had two stints teaching at Holywells. She came to the school in 1974 and taught for two years, leaving for Stoke High where she remained until 1986.

Mrs Rodwell couldn't resist going back to the school where she started teaching and returned to take her place as Head of Languages.

She has taught hundreds of children and had some notable successes over the years. One of her former pupils has since gone on to achieve a first in French and Russian from Cambridge University.

Mrs Rodwell was naturally pleased with her award but thinks the recognition she gets from her own pupils is a big enough prize.

She said: “The best thing is when pupils come up to me and ask me not to retire so soon and to know that they don't actually hate me!

“I look around and the school and see so many excellent teachers and wonder why they too have not been given the same award.”

Mrs Rodwell and her faculty team have also bagged a European Award for Languages this year and have been shortlisted for the coveted Mary Glasgow Trust 14-19 Curriculum Prize.

Mrs Rodwell plans to continue with some teaching and help with the professional development of colleagues.