A “much-loved” head teacher from a south Bucks school retired last week after 21 years of “dedicated service”.

Ros Rochefort, now former head at Bledlow Ridge School in Church Lane, Bledlow Ridge, was “much-loved and respected” by all the staff, pupils and parents at the school, according to spokesman Lucy Edwards.

She said: “She cared about every single one of the children and their wellbeing, creating confident, happy, and articulate children, who left the school fully prepared for their next stage of life.

“She will be missed by all of the children, staff and parents, who wish her the very best for her retirement.”

Around 400 people attended Miss Rochefort’s retirement party earlier this month where she officially opened the school’s new storytelling area and unveiled a plaque naming the area after her.

She said: “I was quite overwhelmed by all the expressions of thanks and good wishes.

“It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to have been entrusted with the education of so many children.

“I have loved my job and found it deeply fulfilling.”

Miss Rochefort started teaching 40 years ago and became the head at Bledlow Ridge in 1995, turning the school around to achieve ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted status.

Speaking about the school, she told the BFP she admired its ethos and has worked hard not to lose the “warmth, fun and care” that was “evident” when she became head there 21 years ago.

She said: “The ethos of this school has always been very special.

“I would like to give most sincere thanks for the unswerving support and hard work of the governing body and very many staff over the years and for the constant help and huge support of successive generations of parents at Bledlow Ridge School.

“None of what has been achieved at Bledlow Ridge School could have happened without that strong partnership we brokered together.”

She also praised her successor, deputy head Alastair Haywood, adding: “I am sure that the school will go from strength to strength into the future under his leadership.”