Castle Hill Infant School celebrates departing headteacher

Alison Story-Scrivens joined Castle Hill Infant School in 1998, working as a teacher for 12 years before becoming the school's headteacher, a position she held for 13 years.

On Wednesday, July 19, the school hosted a celebratory silver jubilee event to commemorate the last 25 years of Alison's career, with individual classrooms around the school being redesigned and themed with things that Alison loves.

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The first room of Class 6 was a beach theme, with mocktails, beach balls and Hula dancing, while Class 5 was the Christmas room and a decorated tree, and Christmas songs and games to enjoy. 

Class 4 hosted a meet the royal family event which Alison thoroughly enjoyed, and Class 3 was transformed into the Great British Bake Off tent. 

Class 2 had Disney themes and games to Alison's delight, before the last room in Class 1, which was a music theme. Alison, a keen piano player, took part in karaoke and dancing and even played a few songs on the piano for teachers and students to enjoy.

left; Two former students of Castle Hill with Alison. Right; father and son both taught by Alison over the past 25 years (Image: Mark Paine, Canva)

The day culminated in teachers, parents and students meeting in the school hall to give Alison a round of applause and send-off to remember.

Alison is set to enjoy a well-deserved break with her husband James, who she met through working at Castle Hill. James' mum, Lynn Scrivens, has been working at the school since Alison started in 1998 as a learning support assistant.

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Lynn introduced Alison and James 24 years ago. They have since been married now for 16 years.

Alison said: "It has been a privilege to have worked in, and served the Castle Hill Infant school community for 25 years, 13 as headteacher.

"The school has become very dear to my heart and I will leave with a great many fond memories of pupils, parents, staff and governors past and present. I have had the privilege of working with so many children and their families, and I would like to thank everyone for their support. I wish Castle Hill Infant School and its community all the very best for the future."

Alison and her husband James (Image: Mark Paine, Canva)

A parent at the school, Jade North, said: "She's an extremely passionate headteacher and she's so good with the kids. It's a small school but a big community, and her passion for the kids and their education is second to none. She'll be greatly missed."

Sarah Lopes, another parent at the school, added: "She's a fantastic woman and has made the school a great place. She's so involved with the kids and will be a massive miss."

Chair of Castle Hill Infant School PTA, Louise Toft, said: "She is the most dedicated and welcoming head you could possibly wish to have at a school, and we are so lucky we have been able to have Alison as long as we have."