A school teacher is set to retire this week after more than 34 years of service to the same school.

Julie Bartrop, 66, first came to the Hedingham School back in September 1987 but will bid farewell to the school on Wednesday.

She first joined the school as a science teacher but quickly established herself and became a senior leader in 1993.

From then on Julie held a number of key roles which included head of sixth form, assistant headteacher and acting leader of science.

Over the last few years, the school say Julie has enjoyed her role as a part-time teacher of biology and press liaison officer.

She has also conducted and led a number of school trips. Even last week Julie took students on an ecology trip to Daws Hall.

Julie has travelled the world, both personally and professionally, notably outdoor camping trips to extreme locations.

In 2018, she was a member of a school party to Kenya as part of a conservation programme.

Headteacher Andrew Harvison said: “She has dedicated her professional life to Hedingham and has shaped the lives of so many young people and teachers at the school.

“Julie is a truly remarkable individual who has supported and nurtured so many students at Hedingham School.

“She has gone above and beyond her role at Hedingham and has been a consistent feature at many events.

“She is a well-known teacher in the local area and ex-students often ask me in conversation ‘is Miss Bartrop still there?’

“We have all been influenced by Julie’s positive outlook in life.

“She always has a smile on her face and will brighten up even the most challenging of days.

“Hedingham will miss such a great teacher but also a great person.

“We wish her all the happiness for a peaceful and well-deserved retirement.”