They’ve helped thousands of children reach their potential in the past few decades.

But Karen Gunn and Beverley Tanner will be walking out the gates of Mascalls School in Paddock Wood for the very last time at the end of this term, after a combined total of 53 years service between them.

Deputy head teacher Mrs Gunn joined the Maidstone Road school intending to be there for only a short time.

She said: “When I first arrived as a teacher of PE in 1985 I did not intend to stay long, but it soon become clear that the students of this school were really special.

“I have always totally believed in the young people of this community and have worked hard over the years to get them to see just how good they are.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to serve this school and this community over the years.”
Mrs Tanner joined the school as a receptionist in 1990 before being promoted to the role of head’s PA.

She said: “I have worked for three head teachers over the last 24 years and dealt with admissions for the school for over 20 years.

“I meet parents and their children now who were children themselves starting secondary school which makes me feel very old.

“My four boys all came to Mascalls and the school has not changed from its friendly, welcoming atmosphere since then. I have loved my time here and made many friends, I will miss it terribly.”

Head teacher Stuart Reeves said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with both Karen and Beverley.

"Karen has been an outstanding deputy head teacher and has helped shape Mascalls School into the vibrant and caring organisation it is today.

“Beverley has supported me most expertly, making sure that my diary runs smoothly, fielding questions from parents and making sure that the admissions process runs without a hitch.

“I shall miss them both, they have brought so much to the school and will be hard acts to follow.”

The school is to have two new deputy heads, replacing Mrs Gunn – Catherine Root and Wayne Barnett – and the new head’s PA will be Sarah Turnbull.