A WESTON-super-Mare school principal is retiring this week more than 20 years after accepting the role and being “driven to an empty field” where the school would later be built.

Julie Fox has led Herons’ Moor Academy since its inception, guiding the school through its construction, its royal opening in 2003, and a series of successful Ofsted inspections which have seen it rated ‘Good’ since 2009.

Tuesday (July 23), however, will mark her final day at the Herons’ Moor – part of the Cabot Learning Federation – before she enjoys a well-earned retirement.

Ahead of her retirement, Julie has looked back on some of her highlights in the role, which included an unusual first visit to the school site.

She said: “When I was initially given the job, there was no school – I was driven to the empty field.

“It was a great experience opening in the temporary school buildings on the MUGA and being able to watch the new school being built.

“It was a really special day when Princess Anne came to open The Campus and spent time with the children.”

Herons’ Moor enjoyed considerable success since it first opened, earning a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted in 2009 and maintaining that grade during a number of subsequent inspections.

It has also benefited from Julie’s strong community links, and her standing within local education circles.

She said: “I have been proud to be an active part of the North Somerset schools community.

That has involved being a Local Leader and supporting other schools, mentoring new headteachers, and serving as chair of the Primary Headteachers Association of North Somerset Committee.

“I have also enjoyed working in partnership in The Campus with Baytree Special School, which has provided so many wonderful opportunities for all our children and staff.”

Julie, who began teaching 40 years ago and enjoyed her first headship at St Barnabas in Portishead, will say her goodbyes this week, and already has one cherished souvenir to take with her – a hoodie bearing the names of all the Herons’ Moor’s 2024 leavers, a tradition usually reserved for Year 6 pupils moving up to secondary school.

Julie said: “It has been a privilege to do this job for so long, and to lead the Herons’ Moor Community – the staff team, which has been built from scratch, is truly amazing, and works so hard to achieve our vision ‘happy children are successful children’.

“It has been great to be part of the Cabot Learning Federation for the past five years, as Herons’ Moor’s values and the CLF HEART values are so closely aligned.

“Although I am retiring, I will miss this school and especially being with the children – I still believe it is one of the best jobs in the world.”

It is a job which will be filled next year by Georgie Tinker, who has been appointed principal from September.

She will move from her current role as Vice Principal at nearby Uphill Village Academy.

Julie added: “I am pleased to be able to hand over the role to Georgie Tinker who is already part of the CLF community.

“We have worked together over the last few months to ensure that it will be a positive fresh start in September.”

Steve Taylor, chief executive officer at the Cabot Learning Federation, paid tribute to Julie’s ‘outstanding’ contribution to education during her 40 years in the sector, as well as her role in the success of Herons’ Moor Academy.

He said: “Education is a fast-moving, dynamic sector and it is extraordinary to think that Julie has been at the top of her game for 40 years in total, and for 20 years at the helm of a school that she has placed in the heart of its community.

“An exceptional achievement affecting the lives of thousands of children and their families over the years.

“Thank you, Julie on their behalf and also on behalf of all of us that have had the benefit of having you as a colleague.”