A MATHS teacher who worked in schools across south Essex during her 44-year career is finally stepping down.

Messages of thanks have flooded in for Beverly Kloos, who started out at The Appleton School, Benfleet, in 1973.

She ended her teaching career at The Deanes School, in Thundersley, where she served as head of year for five years.

Beverly began to take a step back in 2012, working three days a week as key stage 4 co-ordinator.

Explaining her decision to retire at the end of term, she said: “It was several years ago that I was first made aware of just how long I had been teaching when the children of my first pupils began to appear in my classroom.

“I decided it was time to retire before my ex pupil’s grandchildren began coming to the school.”

Beverly was educated at Thorpe Hall School, in Thorpe Bay, before going on to gain her teaching qualifications at Stockwell College, in Kent.

In 1990 she joined the Prittlewell School, in Westcliff, at a time when it had just a three per cent A-C GCSE pass rate.

To improve standards, Beverly gave up her time to offer free tuition after school and during half term.

Her efforts were certainly appreciated, with each of her Year 11 students handed her individual red and white roses - followed by a gold necklace - at their end of school assembly.

When Beverley moved on, then headteacher Margaret Barr wrote: “Thank you for your support.

“I have been conscious throughout my headship that you were determined to help the school to succeed.’’

Deanes headteacher Desi McKeown described Beverly as an “inspiration.”

He added: “Bev demonstrates the true professionalism of a teacher. She never gives up on a student and she constantly demands high standards.

“I am going to miss her.”

Looking back on her career, Beverly said: “I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my career.

“I am going to miss working with the children and the great colleagues, both past and present, many of whom became personal friends of mine.’’