Much-loved PE teacher celebrates 40-and-out at East Northants school

A much-loved teacher at a Higham Ferrers school has retired after four decades.

Di Dean has taught at at The Ferrers School since it first opened in 1980. She has held many roles throughout her time at the school, including Head of Girls PE, Head of Year and now Senior Tutor of Turing House.

Over the past few weeks, Di has been overwhelmed by messages from staff and students, both present and past, who have celebrated her impact on their lives and service at the school.

She has also been doing a daily ‘Twelve Days of Ferrers’ countdown to retirement on her Facebook page, celebrating the memories of her time at the school.

Di said: “I am so proud to have been a part of the amazing Ferrers School for so many years. From watching the school be built as a fresh faced 22-year-old newly qualified teacher to seeing the success of my own two boys when they were at the school – it has been an incredible journey.

“I was lucky enough to have an incredible PE teacher at school who was a fantastic role model for me.

"I have tried to replicate this with my own students, particularly focusing on motivating the next generation of young girls to find a love and enjoyment for sport.

“I would like to thank all of the Ferrers staff, students and parents that I have had the absolute pleasure of working with over the last 40 years. I have so many wonderful memories to take away with me, from ski trips to Bude trips, and all of the fantastic students that I have taught and supported over the years. I will hold in my heart with much love and fondness all of this but also all of the great people I have met and worked with over what is a lifetime for me.”

Angela Smith, Principal of The Ferrers School, said: “We could not be prouder of Di’s legacy. She has inspired generations of students through her passion for PE and works tirelessly to help students become the very best they can be each day in school and through the countless residential trips she has supported.

“Di has taught and supported so many generations of families within our community over the last 40 Years at The Ferrers School. We cannot thank her enough for her contributions and wish her all the best in her retirement.”