THE FIRST female head teacher in her school’s 279-year history has announced her retirement.

Mary Ireland has been head teacher at Bancroft’s School in Woodford Green since 2008, but announced her retirement during an “emotional” end of term speech last week.

The first female head teacher in the school’s history said her time at Bancroft’s had been “the best of her life” and urged pupils to continue to “work hard and make her proud”.

Sixth former and head of house 18-year-old Zara Meyers said: “Throughout my time at school, Mrs Ireland has been constantly driving us all forward.

“She’s a formidable woman.”

Chairman of governors Professor Philip Ogden added: “Mrs Ireland’s hard work has become a terrific template for an outstanding community.

“Teachers and staff owe her a huge debt of gratitude for all she has achieved here.

“And we all wish her a long, healthy and happy retirement.”

Mrs Ireland will be succeeded by Simon Marshall, who will start his new role in September, after seeing out his post as head of an international school in Prague.