A headteacher is preparing to say farewell to the school which has become like "another family" to her.

Jane Martin, 63, who has been headteacher of St John’s Primary School, in Swan Lane, Whetstone, for 20 years, will spend her last day at the school tomorrow.

More than 200 people gathered for a party at the school last Friday, July 17, to say goodbye, which included a flash mob, a live band and a string quartet.

Mrs Martin, who has worked as a teacher in Barnet for 39 years, said: “There are mixed emotions. I have been here for a very long time. I have made so many fantastic friends, and the children are amazing and the parents really supportive.

“It has been such a big part of my life, there will be a big hole to fill. It is like having another family and I will really miss them.”

Discussing the party, Mrs Martin, who lives in East Barnet, said: “I was lost for words. Every half-an-hour I was overwhelmed by something that happened. I will never forget it, so many people worked so hard to do it. It was incredible, I didn’t know how to say a big enough thank you.”

Reflecting on the changing nature of the job, she said: “I think it has changed over the years as there is a lot more paper work. When I started to be a teacher, I wanted to be with the children and make a difference, and spend time playing with them and make them enjoy being at school.

“As a headteacher now, it is very much like running a business. If you are not careful, you would spend all your time in the office. In order to spend time with the children, you have to be with them during the day then spend hours in the evening doing paper work.

“It is very hard. There are some weeks you would be working 65 hours plus. You don’t begrudge doing it, but it is difficult.”

Despite this, she said the job was still hugely rewarding.

Mrs Martin, who is originally from Newcastle, added: “At the party, so many people came up and said lovely things about the difference I have made to their families and children. To know you mean so much to so many people is amazing.

“One of the parents said I have never met anyone like you, and that is the most rewarding thing. People remember you, and the children remember the nice things they have done at school. Making a difference to the point where children don’t forget.”

Mrs Martin, a mother-of-four, said she plans to spend her retirement travelling and volunteering in schools, as well as spending time with her two grandchildren, aged one and six.