THE LONGEST serving headteacher of an independent school in the Leeds area has left the Froebelian School in Horsforth after 24 years of leadership.

The school organised several special celebrations to bid farewell to a much-loved head, John Tranmer, affectionately known as 'Mr T'. Renowned for his colourful ties, Mr Tranmer was treated to a surprise assembly when all the children, teachers and invited guests wore a selection of bright ties in tribute to him. He was also tested on his knowledge of the school’s history as he became the first ever contestant on 'Who Wants to be a Froebelianaire.'

Pupils, parents, colleagues and governors spoke warmly of the headteacher at speech day, and a special booklet celebrating his distinguished career was distributed to guests.

Among those who paid tribute was chairman of governors, Ravi Naru, who wrote: "I would like to thank Mr Tranmer for creating and maintaining such an atmosphere so our children can reach their potential and move on."

Former deputy headteacher, Anita Tansley, added: "In all the years I was deputy head for John, he relentlessly put the success of the school and the good of the children first."

Mr Tranmer said: "Without any doubt, I will miss the children most of all.

"Their energy, enthusiasm and sense of fun has always inspired me, even on those days when things don’t seem to go right."

Although he is leaving the school, he will continue to work in the educational sphere as he takes up his new post as chairman of the Independent Association of Prep Schools in September.

A Froebelian spokeswoman said: "Without a doubt, Mr Tranmer will miss the daily contact with the children but knows his successor, Mrs Dodds, will be working with an excellent team, and is confident Froebelian will continue to be one of the finest schools in the country, providing a flying start for the citizens of tomorrow."

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