A Middlesbrough school is set to wave goodbye to a class teacher after 33 years in the job.

Vanessa Allison started work at Ayresome Primary School in 1993 and will call time on her education career later this month (17 July) taking early retirement.

Mrs Allison has taught predominately Key Stage 2 pupils (age 7-11) throughout her career, and she said that she has seen many changes over the years.

“Ayresome was the first job I applied for after university and luckily, I was successful.

“In those days there were two schools – Infant and Junior – but that changed in 2002 with the amalgamation into a single school.

“Ayresome is a wonderful school with a very strong, supportive community and I’m going to miss it.

“There’s lots of aspects to teaching but being in the classroom is most important to me and making a difference to the young people in my care.

“Most of my adult life has been spent at Ayresome and I’ve grown with the school.

“Being at Ayresome for so long has also helped me develop great links and friendships because in many cases I’ve taught two generations of families,” she said.

The married Mum of two boys has also held a variety of roles at the school over the decades including being lead for Mathematics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.

Early in her career, she was leading Maths teacher for the local authority. Vanessa also worked with Durham University Education department as a training centre coordinator for aspiring new teachers.

She added: “I am looking forward to retirement, particularly being able to go on holiday during term time.

“My eldest son lives in America so I’m looking forward to visiting him more and he is getting married next year.

“I am also looking forward to following the Boro to many more away games, as I have been a season ticket holder for many years.”

Charlotte Haylock, Headteacher of Ayresome Primary School was full of praise for Mrs Allison and said she will be a big loss.

She added: “Vanessa will not just be a big loss to the teaching profession; she has vast knowledge of the Ayresome community, and we are going to miss that too.

“She’s the ‘go to’ person in the school who galvanises the staff and is a steadying influence on others. The school will miss her as will the children and families.”

Ayresome is one of ten primary schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “To serve a single school for 33 years is a significant achievement and a demonstration of loyalty.

“I’d like to thank Vanessa for everything she has done at Ayresome, and I wish her a long and happy retirement.”