Couple to leave school after 72 combined years of service

The Chichester based secondary school has said farewell to the popular husband and wife team Julie and Colin Lankester .

Graham Lewis, Bishop Luffa’s former press officer, said: “Julie and Colin Lankester arrived at the Chichester school in 1978 and 1982 respectively, Julie as an English teacher and Colin as head of Ridgeway House and a teacher of history.

“They both proved to be energetic and charismatic teachers - but each with their own distinctive styles.

“Their successes in and out of the classroom brought them regular promotion and membership of the school’s leadership team.

“Colin retires as single deputy head, having been, at different times, in charge of both pastoral care and academic standards.

“Julie, having been the original head of King House, ends her career as an inspiring and motivational lead coach, responsible for encouraging innovation in the classroom and for developing and sharing best practice amongst her colleagues.

“However, their activities outside the classroom leave an equally enduring legacy. Colin has led many ambitious school trips, notably five visits to Moscow and St Petersburg, forming lasting impressions on many past students.

“Julie originated the House Drama competition, which remains an important part of school life.

“The well established Sixth Form Fashion Show, which raises thousands of pounds each year for charity, also benefited from Julie’s enthusiasm and organisational skills in its formative years.

“They are now planning to channel their formidable energies into new careers. Colin is to be an Ofsted inspector while Julie has started up an events design business.

“According to long serving former colleagues, the couple’s trademark good humour, perseverance, approachability and willingness to throw themselves into every aspect of school life had made them popular with both staff and students, many of whom have taken - and will continue to take - the Lankesters’ wise counsel and encouragement into the future.”

Bishop Luffa School’ states that its curriculum and pastoral arrangements are not an end in themselves, but they are instead the means to develop pupils into whole, happy and well-educated people.

This is considered a joint enterprise between pupil, school, home, church and the wider community.

For more information, visit the Bishop Luffa School website, available at www.bishopluffa.org.uk.

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