A POPULAR and successful headteacher has said an emotional goodbye to his staff and pupils after 37 years.

Colin House retires from Dove House School Academy after joining in 1978, changing careers from working in a bank.

The 61-year-old has dedicated his entire teaching career to the school forThe 61-year-old has led the school for students with learning difficulties and has achieved “outstanding” Ofsted reports three times in a row, and is clearly passionate about providing the best education for pupils.

Speaking to The Gazette, Mr House said he strives to provide “over and above” what that which is offered in mainstream education: “I have always done that with a passion. It’s epitomised with our strapline, which is ‘making a difference’. We have had that for 18 years, since I started as head. I do feel we make a difference, not only to the children but to their families as well." It does give them hope.

“One of the things I remembered was to raise the profile of the school because it was always regarded as a school for naughty boys and that’s not the case.

He added: "These children can achieve. It’s not the children who are special, it’s the school. Our kids are just like any other child. They all need help, love, encouragement and that’s what the school does. It’s very much part of our ethos.”

The father-of-two and grandfather-of-one has led the school since 1996, working his way up from being a newly qualified teacher.

He was inspired to teach at a special school because both his brother and sister have learning difficulties.

Asked what the highlights of his career have been, he said: “I would say every day is a highlight to be honest.”

He said: “It never ceases to amaze me how well the children do and what they achieve, and how brilliant the staff are. Every time someone leaves, someone else rises to the challenge. This is a God given job and I have been very fortunate to have worked with some of the best teachers in the world.”

Staff, pupils and parents gave Mr House an emotional send-off by releasing dove-shaped balloons into the sky to his favourite song God Only Knows, by the Beach Boys, before presenting him with a guitar that he hopes to learn how to play in his retirement.

Parents then presented him with a guitar, which he hopes to learn how to play in his retirement.

But rather than relaxing in his retirement, Mr House still plans to be involved with Dove House and will remain a school governor, oversee an unfinished project to extend the sports hall to include a PE studio, mentor new headteacher Tom Peglar and develop plans to create a sixth form.

He added: “I will miss the children the most, and my colleagues. I have had a very fulfilling career.”

He said: “There are certain children that post-16 their needs aren’t being met very well and we have had our own long-term aim to have a sixth form for some of the children who need additional help when they reach 16. The idea is to transition them into life.”

Mr House retires with his wife, Irene, who is also a teacher at Dove House.

He said many people had asked him for tips on being such a successful leader, but explained his advice was simple: “The secret is if you are nice to people they do a good job for you.”