King Edward VI School in Bury St Edmunds wishes its longest-serving teacher ‘the very best’ as she retires

A teacher who has taught hundreds of children English is retiring after 27-and-a-half years at her school.

Emma Power joined King Edward VI School, in Bury St Edmunds, in 1997 and has seen the school through many changes, from an upper school through to the 11-16 high school it is now.

She has served the school under six headteachers and a staggering 18 Secretaries of State for Education, and is currently King Edward’s longest-serving member of staff.

After 27.5 years’ of service and dedication to the children of King Edward VI, Mrs Power is retiring this summer, and her last day at her school was yesterday.

The school described her as a ‘highly-respected’ and ‘loyal’ member of the school and said she always had the development of children as her ‘top priority and passion’.

“She has been a form tutor and mentor for large numbers of children over the years and has impacted the lives of many people in the town,” the school said. “Her love of literature and poetry has enriched the lives of so many with her teaching English for most of her time at the school.”

Headteacher Deri O’Regan said: “We are devastated that she has decided to go, however wish her the very best and offer profound thanks on behalf of our community.”

Mrs Power, who has taught in total for 34 years, said: “It’s been a privilege and honour to teach the King Edward VI students which I have enjoyed very much. I have particularly loved their creativity.”