A COLCHESTER headteacher who spent 27 years at the helm of one of the city's biggest schools is set to retire. 

Linda Exley started at The Gilberd school, in Brinkley Lane, as a Deputy Headteacher in September 1998 and was appointed headteacher in September 2007.

The Gilberd joined the Alpha Trust in 2018 and Linda then became Executive Headteacher in 2021.

During that time she saw the school climb to be rated outstanding by Ofsted in every category. 

Inspectors praised her for having “painstakingly presided over many years of incremental improvement”.

Mrs Exley has also played a major role in bringing about Colchester's newest high school Trinity School in Mile End. 

She said it had been a privilege to work at the school over the nearly three decades. 

In a letter to parents she said: “After 27 years at The Gilberd School and having been involved in discussions about The Trinity School for almost nine years, I will be retiring this summer.

“There have been many changes in education over my career, I started teaching before the Nation Curriculum or GCSEs even existed.

"School Finance, governance and organisation have changed significantly. What has never changed is that even after all this time, the best part of my job is the interaction I have with our young people."

In recent years Mrs Exley has been helping keep a steady ship while there were delays to Trinity School's opening and Raac being found at the Gilberd forcing pupils to be taught elsewhere. 

It is hoped 31 classrooms will be back in use by the start of the school year in September, with works to another five classrooms, the dining room, and kitchen to be completed in the autumn term.

Mrs Exley added: “We have been through many experiences together, not least in terms of the grown of The Gilberd, the opening of The Trinity School, Covid and not forgetting RAAC this year.

“I have never had any doubt about the importance of education and its power to change lives, offer opportunities and make a difference.

"I would like to end by thank you you for all you have done to support the work of the school, it is much appreciated."