A popular headteacher said farewell to his school with a surprise picnic lunch in the school yard.

Hundreds turned out to say goodbye to Shaun Monaghan who has been head at Whitehaven’s Jericho School for 15 years.

He is leaving the school this week before taking up his new role as director of Western Lakes Teaching School Alliance in September.

Shaun, 58, said: “It was a fantastic surprise to walk into the yard and find 400 people wanting to have lunch with me!

“I couldn’t think of a better way to leave.”

Part of the picnic lunch were personalised cupcakes featuring the headteacher’s photograph.

Ten years ago, Shaun became one of 61 heads across the country to take on the role of National Leader of Education (NLE).

These heads used their success and professionalism as school leaders – along with the school’s staff – to provide extra leadership in struggling schools.

As a result, Jericho becoming one of the first in West Cumbria to be named a National Support School.

After announcing he was leaving, Shaun said: “I have mixed feelings about leaving because I have loved being at Jericho. It will be a wrench to go.

“However, it is exciting to be taking a new direction to my career.’’

In his new role, based at Keswick School, Shaun will also be working with Cockermouth School; Mayfield School, Whitehaven; St Patrick’s School, Cleator Moor and Bridekirk School.

Stephen Kitchen, chairman of Jericho School governors, said: “Shaun will be hugely missed by all the staff, pupils and the school’s community.

“We wish well in his new role.”

He is not the only west Cumbrian teacher bowing out at the end of the school year.

Popular Thornhill teacher Gillian Clark is preparing to say a fond farewell to pupils today after 25 years in the classroom.

She has worked at Thornhill Primary School since she qualified as a teacher in 1992.

Pupils, staff and governors past and present, gathered at the school on Monday to celebrate her time at the school.

Miss Clark said: “I’ve got mixed emotions about leaving – it’s been such a big part of my life. I’m now teaching the children of children I taught when I first started.

“I love planning activities and then seeing the children get involved. I’ll have fond memories of things like World Book Day and the trips we’ve been on.

“I will miss the children and seeing the progress they have made, and of course all the funny things they say! It’s the right time to go though.”

Miss Clark said she was looking forward to spending more time with her family, although she hasn’t ruled out working with children again.

Headteacher Wendy Figes praised her contribution.

She said: “Miss Clark will be a real miss to the school and her impact will be felt for decades to come.

“She has had a key role in the teaching of music and reading.”

Martin Parlett, chair of governors, added: “Gill leaves an extraordinary legacy at Thornhill, having bestowed the gift of learning to hundreds of children within our community over the last 25 years.

”Her positive impact upon pupils, families and the wider community is something to be celebrated.”