A HEAD teacher is moving on from a York school after almost 16 years at the helm.

Helen Davey, who was appointed head of St Barnabas Primary School in 1993 at the age of 32, is leaving to become an early years advisor for North Yorkshire County Council.

Helen said: “I’ve been so spoiled with cards, messages and gifts – it’s been really lovely. I am going to miss St B very much.”

Helen told The Press about how the school, in Bright Street, Leeman Road, had changed since she took charge.

“When I started I was teaching for four-and-a-half days each week – in the old building on Bright Street,” she said.

“We had outdoor toilets and spent several years campaigning for new toilets to be built.

“Eventually we had a small extension – with indoor toilets, a staff room and a head’s office.”

The school was rebuilt, and opened again at the beginning of November 2005.

“The re-opening was a really special day and the highlight of my career – not many heads get the opportunity to be involved with the design of a new building and a move to a really super building with fantastic views of York Minster,” she said.

Celebrations for Helen’s leaving included a party for staff and governors, a special leaving assembly, and a party for the children. Helen, 47, who is leaving her post at the school today, said: “The beauty of St Barnabas is the relationships that are fostered within the school between all our partners, the children, staff, governors and parents.

“The children here are delightful – they respond well to the special things we do and they are the best children to work with.

“I have been very lucky to have a super staff and governors who are very supportive and really do go the extra mile for the children.

“The school community we have here is very special and I am very proud to have been part of it for so many years.

“Why am I leaving such a super school? The time comes to move on and for the school to have a fresh pair of eyes.”

In her new job, Helen will be working with schools to help ensure the educational services they provide are the best they can be.