A headteacher who turned two schools around will be sorely missed when she takes on her next challenge.

Kerrie McGrory, who runs Templars Primary and Nursery School in Cressing Road, Witham, has taken her last assembly with pupils and bid them a fond farewell.

Eight years ago she became headteacher of the Templars Infant School, which was in special measures, and successfully turned it around.

At the time of taking on the school she was the youngest headteacher in Essex, being just 32-years-old.

She then added the Templars Junior School to her remit to bring it out of special measures before overseeing the amalgamation of the two schools.

The school, which has grown dramatically and now also includes a nursery, was graded as good by Ofsted in March last year.

When asked what her proudest moment was, Miss McGrory, said: “The children make me proud everyday."