Longstanding Bury St Edmunds headteacher Daryl Jones, of Hardwick Primary School, leaves the school after 12 years

When asked about what he is proudest of at his primary school, its longstanding headteacher struggled to pick one thing – because there are so many.

Daryl Jones, 51, is now in his 12th year as headteacher of Hardwick Primary School, in Bury St Edmunds, but he said it was time to get off this ‘great ride’ or ‘rollercoaster’ to adventures new.

Thursday was Mr Jones’ last day with pupils at the school, which has 242 students.

He is staying within the trust, the All Saints Schools Trust, to start a role as executive headteacher of Thorndon, Stradbroke and Laxfield primary schools, which are all in close proximity to each other.

Mr Jones, who became executive head of both Hardwick and Thorndon primaries last year, said: “I have really enjoyed my time as headteacher here.

“I feel really proud and privileged to have been the headteacher of this school and equally as well to have shared in the lives of the children and the families over the last 12 years; to watch the children grow and grow in many ways really with their confidence and their abilities.”

He added: “I will miss everybody and everything to do with Hardwick.”

He wanted to thank ‘everybody’ – staff, pupils, parents, governors and the local community – for the support they had shown him and the school over the last 12 years.

Mr Jones started at Hardwick as headteacher in 2011, having previously been head at Kenninghall Primary School, in Norfolk.

He has been teaching since 1996, with he and his wife relocating from Hertfordshire to Suffolk in 2003.

In his time at Hardwick, Mr Jones has seen the school expand, taking on two extra year groups due to the School Organisation Review – which he described as a ‘new era for the school’ – and he also steered it through the Covid years.

He said he was proud of how they had endeavoured to keep the school open during the pandemic and he also paid tribute to the children’s resilience, adding they had started to ‘bounce back’.

He also spoke of his pride for the pastoral support for students at Hardwick, the new facilities that had been developed there and how he had played his part in developing future school leaders – although this is not an exhaustive list.

“I’m proud of so many different areas – I cannot name one,” said Mr Jones, adding: “I just think the school is in a really good place and it’s exciting times for the head coming in and for the school itself.”

Claire Flatman, executive head of Great Whelnetham and Wortham primaries in the trust, is joining Hardwick as the new executive head.

Andy Abbott, vice-chairman of governors at Hardwick Primary School, said: "Governors at Hardwick hugely appreciate all Daryl has done over the past 12 years to guide the school through constantly changing and often challenging times.

"We have a wonderful community facility and Daryl's enthusiasm for all things Hardwick shows his passion and commitment to the children, staff, parents, carers and families.

"From bingo calling - which he did on his penultimate day - to quiz master, football club chairman and league president, sports day compere and passionate educational residentials lead, he has been a dedicated headteacher.

"We all wish him well as he starts a new adventure and sincerely thank him for over a decade of leadership."