Pat Thompson is retiring after 27 years leading one of Huddersfield’s most successful and popular schools.

Born in Fartown, Pat, 63, has dedicated her professional life to teaching in Huddersfield.

She started at Woodale, then Deighton and Rawthorpe before taking on the role of headteacher at Lindley Junior School in 1973, a post she leaves this summer.

She has become something of a legend among her Kirklees colleagues for the quiet and highly successful way she has steered her school to Outstanding - and then kept it there.

Lindley has achieved Ofsted’s top rating ever since 2008 and is today one of the most popular and oversubscribed schools in Kirklees.

Much of this success has been down to Pat’s commitment and passion, constantly pushing the boundaries to achieve excellence.

Earlier this month she was named winner in the teacher of the year category at the Examiner Community Awards.

Stafflex Teacher of the Year Left to right, , Steve Massey Head of Education at Stafflex ,Pat Thompson winner.

She shepherds her flock of teachers and pupils and pushes them to become the very best they can be - always using the carrot, rather than the stick.

Pat said: “I love the job I do, working in the local community with talented colleagues and children who are enthusiastic and enjoy learning. And I have had very supportive parents and a wonderful governing body.

“I love the fact that there is constant change in education and I like to be able to make that change work for the children of this community.

“We adapt the changes to make them fit our children, rather than making the children fit the changes.

“I also enjoy developing colleagues and supporting their careers - even if that means that they leave us to lead other schools; the cycle continues.”

Always one to shun the limelight, Pat added: “I regard myself as a team player, someone who creates an environment in which everyone thrives.”

There’s emphasis on academic excellence, but Pat has always fostered a wider agenda. Music is the heartbeat of Lindley Juniors and its young choir is one of the nation’s most successful. Drama, dance, sport and innovation are also highly valued - as can be seen from the bulging trophy cabinet.

After retirement, she will spend time with her family, garden and travel. Pat also hopes to do school consultancy work and community volunteering.

Netherthong Primary school headteacher, Catherine Jubbs, who used to teach at Lindley, will return to take over in September.