A POPULAR headteacher is retiring after 12 years in the job.

Sue Tomkys, head at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Headington, has worked in local education for 27 years.

She celebrated with a retirement tea party alongside staff members yesterday.

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Francesca Carder, assistant headteacher, said: “Sue has been relentless in her commitment to the families of St Joseph’s.

“She has worked all hours of the day, and weekends, to enrich, support and love the families in her care.

“We are so grateful to have worked under her leadership, to have been inspired to see the best in every child, to have compassion for all, and above all else to ‘protect with love all that God has given us’ - St Joseph’s school motto.”

Mrs Tomkys is set to receive a Ruby Caritas Award from the Archdiocese of Birmingham upon her retirement.

Through her career, she has been passionate about supporting new teachers, helping many on their way to higher leadership.