A TEACHER is retiring after 40 years teaching in south Essex.

Colin Twigg, 62, has taught at the King John School, in Thundersley, Fryerns Comprehensive, Basildon, the FitzWimarc School, Rayleigh, and Greensward Academy, Hockley, as well as the Alec Hunter Academy, in Braintree.

He will step down from his role as assistant vice-principal at Greensward, where he has worked for eight years, this summer.

Mr Twigg, from Hadleigh, said: “I have mixed feelings about retiring.

Having taught for 40 years, my colleagues and students are more of an extended family.

“I hope to stay in touch with excolleagues, as I do with those I worked with for 18 years at Fryerns, and if possible be available for cover teaching and supporting trainee teachers.

“I am fortunate to be healthy, as is my wife, who also retires this summer after 38 years teaching in Essex schools.

“We can now enjoy ourselves and focus more on our family, travel and keep healthy by joining the ramblers.”

Mr Twigg, who is responsible for newly-qualified teachers at Greensward, has much to be proud of.

He helped Fryerns School achieve its best-ever results as a comprehensive and bring it out of special measures.

Essex County Council closed the school in 1999 due to falling pupil numbers.

He helped the other schools achieve outstanding exam results, culminating in Greensward achieving the highest results in its history two years ago.

Mr Twigg said: “Being appointed as assistant vice-principal at Greensward in recognition of my management and personal skills will also stay in my memory.

“But the proudest moments of all are seeing the faces of students on examination results days when all their efforts are rewarded.

Greensward is a learning community which cares about individuals and their needs.

“I will miss the smiles and sharing the successes, especially when newly-qualified teachers achieve hugely-deserved promotions.

“I will miss teaching alongside such talented teachers and teaching assistants.”