ASSISTANT Head of Cirencester Deer Park School Jerry Richer is to retire after over 25 years at the school.

Jerry joined the school as head of the Design faculty in 1988 and went on to become the deputy to current head teacher Chiquita Henson.

During his time at the school he started an exchange partnership with Alfrink College in the Netherlands, encouraging his students to take part in their Model United Nations conferences.

Staff hosted a farewell party for Jerry on Monday, July 28 where he was paid a surprise visit by Marcel de Haas, the Dutch teacher who helped him create the partnership between the two schools.

Marcel said: “I expressed my friendship with Jerry and stressed that he has been an important tutor for me in establishing an international curriculum at Alfrink.

“Without Jerry I think Alfrink College would never have developed MUNA as we did. I have learned so much from Jerry as so many others.”

Head teacher Chiquita Henson wrote a tribute to Jerry in the school newsletter, thanking him for his hard work and wishing him luck for the future.

She said: “He has been a strong and creative presence. He has inspired many pupils to pursue careers in Design and Technology and has always maintained a visually vibrant classroom.

“As Assistant Head, Jerry Richer has significantly developed the global dimension and ensured all international activity has been embedded into our wider school curriculum.

“We wish Jerry every happiness in his retirement and future creative endeavours!”