Pupils say goodbye to ‘devoted’ West Ham headteacher

Teachers and pupils held a farewell picnic to say goodbye to a “devoted” headteacher who is retiring after a decade at the school.

Headteacher Linda Bryan is retiring after 10 years at Gainsborough Primary School, West Ham. - Credit: Archant

Linda Bryan started working at Gainsborough Primary School, in Gainsborough Road, West Ham, in 2001 and worked her way up from Deputy Head to Headteacher.

She has been credited with helping the school achieve a “Good”-rated Ofsted report and adding a sensory room and soft play area to the school’s facilities to help pupils with special learning needs.

The children enjoyed a picnic in the school grounds for her last day on Friday (July 19) and staff held a leaving party for her at a nearby hotel in the evening.

A speech read out on behalf of the school Governors said: “It seems to me that being a headteacher in Newham is about more than education and leadership.

“It is about helping children to develop their self-esteem and confidence and to give them positive new experiences and, on occasion, to provide support to families in crisis.

“Linda devoted herself to the challenges and demands of the role and has helped countless children and families over the years.”