Head of Little Common primary school retires

Greg visited the school to give thanks to David (who has been head of the school for twenty five years) for his long and exemplary service to local education:

"David Pratt has been truly remarkable head teacher, leading Little Common school to be the excellent school it is today and generating literally generations of local children who will always treasure happy memories of their own time at school.

"David has given his time and energy not only to Little Common School but also to the Bexhill Schools Consortium, which he was instrumental in setting up, and which has done so much to drive up standards in schools right across the town.

"I really can't thank him enough for the tremendous contribution he has made to our community and wish him all the best for the future."

David, who formally retires on July 23, said he will miss his work and that the last two weeks had been "a roller coaster ride", adding:

"I've a lot of mixed feelings at the moment. I will miss the children and the buzz of being around all those developing young lives '“ I will miss that terribly. "

David said he was "amazed and delighted" that MP Greg Barker paid him a visit:

"It was a tremendous gesture on Greg's part to wish me well but typical of him as he has shown great interest in education during my time here. He's how a good constituency MP should operate."

David was also presented with the Family and Community Award by members of the Rotary Club of Senlac.

Five Rotarians paid a surprise visit to the school during last Monday's assembly to present the award to acknowledge David's 'major contribution by participating in local community development'.

Since his appointment, as head, several noticeable building extensions have taken place to increase the school intake roll threefold.

Best wishes were offered for a happy and healthy retirement by Rotary Club of Senlac President, Peter Stiles, who presented the Award, and outlined the nature of David's commendable service, emphasising the cumulative effect of building projects.

Past Rotary Presidents Stuart Earl, Rob Sheppard and David King (both former Chairmen of Governors) and President Elect Robin Poll, were given a conducted tour of the School to observe all features provided to benefit of pupils.

David, who is retiring after completing forty years in primary education, including thirty three years as a head teacher said:

"I will look back with a great feeling of pride and satisfaction."