The headteacher at the top performing primary school in the country is retiring this week after almost 40 years in education.

Pip Rowe of St Oswald’s Primary in Mollington has spent 17 years at the school, eight of them as headteacher.

After a hugely successful period at the school, Mrs Rowe leaves St Oswald’s top of the national league tables for results and attainment.

St Oswald's CE Primary School council with (left) deputy headteacher Chris Timms and headteacher Pip Rowe

Mrs Rowe said: “Education is about empowering children to achieve their potential in any aspect for their future lives.

“This is achieved by creating a happy, secure environment where children are nurtured and feel valued and cared for, and a place where school is a fun place to be.”

Her farewell will mark the end of an era at St Oswald’s, with hundreds of children having been taught and influenced by her.

She has been identified as someone special by her deputy headteacher Chris Timms.

He said: “I have never met anybody who has so much time for others, no matter how busy she is.

“She walks around the school every day making sure she has said ‘good morning’ to every member of staff before the school day begins. She is a special person and fantastic leader.”

Bex Craven, class teacher at the school, added: “Mrs Rowe is not only the head of the top school in the country for results, but she is leader of the St Oswald’s family, a close-knit successful team of children, school staff and parents who work together effectively.”

Fellow teacher Katharina Fritzsche added: “Mrs Rowe’s strong family values have made St Oswald’s a very special place to be.”

Janet Johnson, school bursar, said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with Mrs Rowe during my six years at St Oswald’s. Her professionalism, support and positive attitude are an inspiration to all.”

Mrs Rowe’s supportive nature has been apparent for adults as well as children at the school.

Lisa and Paul Hitchcox, who have two boys at the school, said: “Mrs Rowe has been such a fabulous headteacher, positively influencing the lives of so many children over the years.

“Mrs Rowe will be dearly missed by everyone, her infectious enthusiasm for school life everlasting in our thoughts.”