A HEADTEACHER who has brought success to a High Wycombe infant school is set to retire this month after ten years in the job.

Anne Smart, 58, has been the headteacher of Marsh School, in Abbey Barn Road, since 1995 and has been credited with its steady improvement in SATs results.

But Mrs Smart, of High Wycombe, is retiring at the end of term following a career spanning 38 years in teaching.

She said: "I have never had a break in 37 years.

"I have taught continuously for that time so I think I deserve a break.

"It will be the joy of going anywhere, anytime it will be lovely.

"I will miss the children because I have taught over 1,000 children and now I am teaching the children of children I taught years ago."

On Monday Mrs Smart was greeted with a special assembly where she was presented with flowers, champagne and a digital camera.

More than 30 parents gathered in the school hall for the presentation.

Mrs Smart is planning to leave teaching for good but will stay in Buckinghamshire for her retirement. She has only taught at local schools throughout her career, including Highworth Combined School in Highworth Close and Hannah Ball Infant School in Philip Road, High Wycombe.

She was also the deputy headteacher at Aston Clinton School in Aylesbury before working as a technology advisor for the Local Education Authority.

District councillor Glyn Galbraith, who is the chair of governors at the school, said: "She has brought terrific leadership to the school.

"She has taken it from a school that had significant problems into one that is recognised for its quality of teaching.

"She has also led to the school receiving external registration success such as the Investors in People award. "

Cllr Margaret Draper, also a school governor, added: "She has been terrific with the SATs, particularly in children for whom English is a second language."

Mrs Smart says she has plans to travel and see friends following her retirement.