Lollipop lady turned headteacher Julia Harle is to retire next year from St Peter’s Primary in Chippenham.

Mrs Harle took over the Lords Mead school in 2009 and since then has lifted it from a satisfactory Ofsted grade to good and overseen its conversion to academy status under the Diocese of Bristol Multi Academy Trust.

She became a teacher at the age of 40, but within ten years had taken on the headship at Christian Malford Primary, where she also helped to improve its Ofsted status.

Mrs Harle, now 60, has produced nautical charts for the Navy, run a wholefood business and helped children to cross the road safely. But it was not until she became a teaching assistant that she realised what she really wanted to do.

“That’s what made me want to be a teacher,” she said. “The joy of seeing children develop and making sure they are included and are having fun.”

Her first teaching post was at Didcot and then she moved on to Tregoze Primary in Swindon.

Now she is looking forward to being a granny.

“I will stay in Seagry and will learn things I’ve never had a chance to before, like spinning wool,” she said.

“It has been very exciting and rewarding to have taken St Peter’s to a good Ofsted judgement. I hope the Local Board will be able to find someone to take up the post, to continue the journey to outstanding, while keeping the very special ethos and values of St Peter’s.”

John Swainston, chief executive of the Diocese of Bristol’s Academies’ Trust, said: “At both Christian Malford and St Peter’s CofE schools, Julia Harle has established high standards and brought about positive change, by demonstrating an outstanding ability to gain the best from her staff teams for the advancement of her children’s learning, welfare and prospects.

“This has all been on the foundation of her profound Christian commitment.

“We will miss Julia’s leadership at St Peter’s, but we hope to retain her wisdom in the wider Diocesan family.”

The Rev Andrew Gubbins, chairman of the Local Board, St Peter’s CofE Academy, said: “With the help of many, we have seen the school grow in confidence on the back of a successful buildings redevelopment, Ofsted scrutiny and year-on-year improvements in teaching, learning and achievement.

“The quiet driving force and caring leadership behind all of this has been Julia herself, personifying her Christian values in her pastoral and educational practice with children and parents, staff and governors alike.”

The search for a new head will start early next year.