Platt Bridge Community School

Dear Parents/Carers,

Sadly, this is my last newsletter for Platt Bridge Community School.

When I decided twelve months ago that I was going to retire at Christmas 2024, I don’t think I realised how quickly that year would pass. Am I ready to leave? I don’t think that I’ll ever be ready as this school has been such a major part of my life, but it’s the right time.

It is almost 20 years ago that I became the luckiest person in the world as I was appointed Headteacher of a brand-new school which became Platt Bridge Community School. Children, parents and members of the community decided on the name and I don’t think that any other name would have been right. The school was built in the centre of Platt Bridge, and we have always been so proud to be a part of such a strong community. I had no idea when I started this Headship that I would stay at the school until I retired but the school just went from strength to strength which enabled me to build on these foundations to expand our work. We extended the school, changed the age range to take 2-year-olds, became a Teaching School, supported schools locally, nationally and internationally, trained excellent teachers and apprentices through Kingsbridge Teacher Training and created an Institute of Learning – I could go on! It has never been boring that’s for sure!

Being involved in the design and build of the school, I can honestly say that I feel that a part of me is in the bricks and mortar. I have been happy to give my heart and soul to the success of Platt Bridge Community School and have had the privilege of working with the best children, families, teachers, support staff, Governors and Trustees I could ever have hoped to have met. It hasn’t all been easy but the overwhelming support for everything the school has done has meant the world. I will miss every single member of our school community terribly but I know that you will continue to succeed under the guidance of Mr Wallace.

So, for the last time, I wish you all a very happy Christmas and all the best for the future. Platt Bridge will always have a special place in my heart.

With lots of love and my very best wishes,
Sue Darbyshire