AFTER being at the helm for 24 years, long-standing Headmaster of Sherston Primary School, Nick Bowditch, gave his last assembly this week.

The school was full, with 90 pupils, when he joined in 1991. Mr Bowditch has subsequently overseen the school moving into a new building, leaving the old one to be converted into the village post office.

It has since increased in size to accommodate 190 pupils, but the popular head still maintains a personal relationship with his pupils, knowing each of them by name.

“When I arrived the school was expanding,” he explained. “So it was a real challenge.”

“People from the local community really support the school, which always helps its development; even if they don’t have children here.”

While Mr Bowditch looks forwarded to an early retirement, he looks back at his time at Sherston fondly.

“One of the nicest things has been that I’ve taught the children of some of the pupils I taught when I started here,” he said.

“I’ll certainly miss the staff and children. There is a tremendous sense of community here.”