Skip to content Skip to nav
Accessibility statement

Retiring Headteachers celebrated this Thank a Teacher Day

Thursday, 12 June 2025

Top left: Market Weighton Infant School Top right: Heidi Gallagher, Eastrington Primary School Bottom left: Chris Brown, Tickton Primary School Bottom right: Julie Sutherland, St. Mary's and St. Mary and St Joseph VC Academies
Top left: Market Weighton Infant School Top right: Heidi Gallagher, Eastrington Primary School Bottom left: Chris Brown, Tickton Primary School Bottom right: Julie Sutherland, St. Mary's and St. Mary and St Joseph VC Academies

On national Thank a Teacher Day, Wednesday 18 June, East Riding of Yorkshire Council is celebrating the dedication of four Headteachers, as they prepare to retire from the profession this summer.

With a combined total of 136 years in education between them, they reflect on their careers and what they look forward to in their retirement.

Heidi Gallagher, Eastrington Primary School Headteacher, Chris Brown, Tickton Primary School Headteacher, Sarah Kay-Wood, Market Weighton Infant School Headteacher, and Julie Sutherland, Executive Headteacher for St. Mary's, St Mary and St Joseph VC Academies in Market Weighton and Pocklington are all retiring this summer.

Heidi Gallagher, Eastrington Primary School Headteacher has been in education for 33 years and Head at Eastrington since 2011. Heidi said: “I always wanted to be a teacher, right from being in primary school myself. I have so many highlights, but I love spending Fridays teaching and being with the children. Teaching one day a week has kept the reality of life in the classroom for me, and I also enjoy celebrating the children’s achievements at our whole-school assembly each Friday.

“As I’ve been at the school for over 20 years, some of my former pupils are now bringing their children into nursery here. It’s great to know they are bringing their children to have the experience that they’d previously had.

“Another significant highlight for me was in 2010 when The National Centre for Languages used the resources I’d developed for teaching French as Tools for Schools for KS2 languages.”

On providing advice to other teachers, Heidi said: “It’s important to acknowledge that the job will never be done, so don’t work day and night! It’s an extremely rewarding career and a lifestyle choice.” She continued: “Having fantastic school staff, governing team and school improvement partner have all helped make the Headteacher role a truly wonderful position.” In retirement, Heidi said: “I’m looking forward to becoming a grandma for the first time. I’m also looking forward to travelling and spending more time with friends and family.”

Chris Brown, Tickton Primary School Headteacher began teaching 36 years ago, and has spent 35 of those years in the East Riding at Tickton Primary. Chris said: "I wanted to be either a teacher or a physiotherapist, and when my application forms for physiotherapy got lost in the system I ended up on a teacher training programme, which I now look on as a happy accident!

"I've been very lucky to have worked with some brilliant people and fantastic families." Chris described her highlight as a teacher: "For me, it's seeing the light bulb moment children have when they've been struggling with something, and then it all falls into place. It's also a privilege to see the excitement and enthusiasm on the children's faces when they're learning, as well as being a part of those quirky moments that pupils bring and brighten up your day."

To others considering a career in teaching or those starting out she said: "You've got to be part of a team and ask for help and advice. Concentrate on doing what you know is the right thing. It is challenging at times and hard work, but to be a part of children growing and developing is so rewarding. I would do it all again!"

In retirement Chris said: "I'm looking forward to throwing my alarm clock away, trying new experiences and hopefully getting to see polar bears in the wild."

Sarah Kay-Wood, Market Weighton Infant School Headteacher has worked in education for 33 years, she has been at Market Weighton Infant School for 23 years and has been the Headteacher since 2010. Sarah said: “For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. Growing up, I was always the teacher, and my poor brother was always the pupil. My mum had to buy me a real register and the same pen that my teacher used!

Speaking about her highlights she said: “I was very proud to be a part of the school’s Outstanding Ofsted in 2012 and being part of a dedicated and supportive team who provide the best possible start to children’s education. No two days are the same and you are never bored! You learn something new every day and have the satisfaction of making a real difference in children’s lives.”

Sarah said the advice she’d give to other teachers is: ”Be proud to be a teacher, speak highly of your job and of the children.”

In retirement Sarah is looking forward to hanging up her working boots without the structure and everyday stresses of working life, and spending more time with friends, family and reconnecting with nature through walking, golfing and time in the garden.

Julie Sutherland, Executive Headteacher for St. Mary's VC Academy in Market Weighton and St Mary and St Joseph VC Academy in Pocklington, is retiring after 34 years in education. Julie said: “I will be very sad leaving both schools after 34 years as a teacher and 32 of those years in East Riding.” Julie worked at St. John of Beverley Primary School  for eight years, before joining St. Mary’s in 2001. She progressed to Head of the school in 2011, before becoming Executive Headteacher for both schools in 2014.

Julie said: “I do love my job very much. I’ve been lucky to have a fantastic team in both schools, but I feel now is the time to pass the baton over. I’ve enjoyed each new step of my career - each step brings something new and challenging, and it’s been a truly privileged career to be in. You have to enjoy what you do, and it’s not just about the educational journey of your pupils, but also you’re a big part of their life journey. Teachers make an impression on so many young lives. It’s great to see former pupils later in life, as young adults, and hear about what they are doing. I’ve had some former pupils come back to do work experience at the schools, and some are now bringing their children into school here.

In retirement, Julie said: “I’ve got a bucket list of places I’d like to visit, and look forward to long dog walks, and time and flexibility to be with friends and family. However, I will really miss my job and the school families!”

Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education, said: "Thank a Teacher Day provides a great opportunity to say thank you to all of our dedicated teachers for their commitment to nurturing and educating pupils. We all know what an impact teachers have on children’s lives and futures.

"A special thank you to our retiring headteachers, Heidi, Chris, Sarah and Julie, whose leadership and vision have made a significant impact on our schools and communities. We wish you, and all retiring teachers, the very best in your well-deserved retirement.

“I’d encourage our East Riding children to say thank you to their teachers this Thank a Teacher Day!"

To celebrate national Thank a Teacher Day, children and families can send a free personalised thank you card to anyone working in an early years, school or college setting at: www.thankateacher.co.uk

PICTURE: 
Top left: Market Weighton Infant School
Top right: Heidi Gallagher, Eastrington Primary School
Bottom left: Chris Brown, Tickton Primary School
Bottom right: Julie Sutherland, St. Mary's and St. Mary and St Joseph VC Academies

 
Back to news
Subscribe to East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Stay updated on the latest East Riding news

We use GovDelivery to send you emails, which is secure and you can choose to stop receiving emails at any time.

Find out more in our Privacy notice.

Subscribe to East Riding News

Alerts