Mrs Margaret Courtney, Head Teacher of Horndale County Infant and Nursery School retires at the end of this school term.
Mrs Courtney began her teaching career at Etherley Lane Primary School Bishop Auckland in 1968. After working in schools in Sedgefield, Ferryhill and Spennymoor she came to Horndale in 1986.
“Much has changed in education over the past 47 years” she says, “but interestingly the new curriculum at my first school was very similar to today’s new primary curriculum”.
“What goes around comes around” continued Mrs Courtney. “Horndale School achieved an Outstanding school award from Ofsted during its last inspection. I know the teaching staff, support staff and school governors will work hard to maintain this standard under the leadership of my successor, Mr Craig Brown, who takes up his new position on 1st September 2015, and newly appointed Deputy Head Teacher, Mr Dan Walker, who already works at the school”.
Mrs Courtney went on to say “I wish everyone at the school continued success and my best wishes go to the many families who have trusted us with the education of their children and their children’s children for so long”.
Mrs Courtney, staff and governors enjoyed a special evening provided by Lee and David at the Manor House, Howden le Wear last Saturday.
Staff and pupils all agree that although it is the beginning of a new phase in her life, Mrs Courtney will be sadly missed by us all! She made our school Outstanding and is an outstanding lady.
