RETIRING Loreto Prep headteacher Helen Norwood has always been at the heart of the school's community, first as a pupil and then as a teacher.

A former pupil at Loreto Grammar School, Helen who retires after five years at the helm of its sister preparatory school and 11 years as deputy head, says the same supportive family values pervade the Loreto community today.

“I have always felt part of the Loreto family, not only working with the grammar school, but with our Loreto schools in the UK and overseas.

"The Loreto Sisters have played an important role in the success of the school and we have a wonderful relationship with them.

"Throughout the years all the girls have been incredibly special, their families have been very supportive and we operate in a friendly, loving and caring manner to bring out the very best in each another. It's been a privilege to work here.”

Helen, a mother of three grown up sons, who studied French at Manchester University and taught at St Ambrose Preparatory School in Hale Barns before moving to Loreto in 2001, leaves Loreto Preparatory with the school in better shape than ever before to face the growing challenges in education.

The school roll is now higher than it has been in recent years, there has been extensive refurbishment of buildings and an upgrade of facilities throughout the school.

More teachers have been recruited to reduce class sizes and in November last year Loreto Prep earned an 'Excellent' rating from the Independent Schools' Inspectorate ISI.

Helen said: “I am pleased to have been leading the school during a time of major change in education which the governors, the staff and I have thoroughly embraced.”

She added: “I will miss my friends on the staff and all the wonderful girls who have brought an immense amount of joy into my life, but I now want to be free to spend more time with my own family.”