A HEADTEACHER is retiring after three and a half decades at the same Barnet school.

Mary Karaolis' commitment to Ravenscroft School, in Barnet Lane, will be recognised at a celebration party tomorrow night, attended by pupils, teachers and parents.

The 62-year-old joined Ravenscroft as deputy headteacher in 1975.

When she took over as head in 1999, the school was struggling, but within a decade she had turned its fortunes around, achieving two "outstanding" Ofsted reports in 2008.

This year she was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her outstanding work in education.

Mrs Karaolis said: "I retire after 40 years in the most significant profession in society. What could be more important than teaching, which involves educating and contributing to the development of young people, who will be tomorrows citizens, professionals and leaders?

"It has been a privilege and a source of much happiness and enjoyment to have been at The Ravenscroft School for so many years.

"I leave with many wonderful memories of our school, my colleagues and the thousands of fantastic children who have passed through here."

The veteran teacher began her career 40 years ago at Sir John Cass's Foundation & Red Coat Church of England School, in Stepney, after graduating from London University.

Since joining Ravenscroft, she has become a member of the National College for School Leaders, a School Improvement Partner for four schools in Haringey and has worked tirelessly to champion the cause of the Greek Cypriot community.