The headteacher of an outstanding popular Chester nursery school is retiring this week after more than 30 years.

Ken Jones has been headteacher at St Mary’s Community Nursery School since January 1986.

Throughout his time the school has been through a number of successful Ofsted inspections where it was ranked outstanding.

During his time as headteacher the school faced the threat of closure in 1990 but due to a great deal of parent support the local authority’s decision was overturned.

Under Mr Jones’s guidance the school has also relocated from the city centre to its current site on Old Wrexham Road where it continues with its’ high level of success.

We regularly have parents with very fond memories of being taught by Mr Jones returning with their children.

Mr Jones said: “It has been a huge privilege to have spent nearly 31 years as head of St Mary’s Community Nursery School. There have been many challenges that we have faced as a school and we have pulled through due to the support we have received from the local community. Even through the times of challenge I think it is the children who have kept me going and they have kept me constantly on my toes by asking deep questions like ‘Why have you got a big nose?’ and provided me with enough comic material for me to write a book. It has been a wonderful experience.”