It is the end of an era at Sholing Junior School as two much-loved members of staff are moving on after a combined total of 54 years service.

'Inspiring' Sholing stalwart, Deputy Headteacher Richard Hutchinson, has been at the school since the start of his teaching career 23 years ago. 

And, for the past 31 years, Angie Clark has arrived each day in the early hours and has always finished her cleaning jobs long before the children arrive.

(Image: Sholing Junior School)

READ MORE: Inspiring headteacher retires after nearly 40 years in education

Rich ends his 23-year Sholing tenure as a highly regarded deputy head who has established a memorial in the school playground and in the city centre for a World War II VC hero – Wing Commander James Nicolson; helped gain recognition for ex Far East Prisoner of War Bert Warne – who at 102 years old was awarded freedom of the city; and led many trips to places such as France and Downing Street – where pupils planted a tree with Boris Johnson!

Children at the school have been busy recalling some of their happy moments with Mr Hutchinson over the years, including soaking him in the stocks at the summer fayre, and his uplifting singing assemblies.

During the Covid lockdowns, Rich hand delivered work packs to children's homes in his distinctive World War II jeep. 

Angie started work at the school in 1993, before current site manager and former pupil Hannah Rickards was even born.

Headteacher Matt Abbott said: “Rich has been an inspiring and incredibly positive colleague and it was a pleasure to be able to work alongside him.

"He is an excellent teacher and has been totally committed to providing the best learning he possibly can for all the learners in the school and has gone above and beyond to support the community. His ability to develop unique learning experiences and lifelong memories for the children of Sholing Junior School has been greatly appreciated by so many people in the local community.

“Angie has been at the school for as long as anyone can remember and she will be greatly missed. She has always cleaned to the same high standard and we are immensely grateful for all her hard work."