THE former headteacher of a now closed Carlisle primary school has received an honorary degree from Goldsmiths, University of London - 60 years after she graduated.

Lis Price, 80, of Wetheral, travelled to London with her daughters Claire and Penny on December 20 for the ceremony.

Claire said: “My mum was born in Workington, educated at Cockermouth Grammar School and taught most of her years throughout Cumbria, culminating her career as headteacher at Morton Park Primary School in Carlisle.

“She left Cumbria at the age of 18 to travel to Goldsmiths, University of London to complete her Certificate of Education, graduating in 1958 at the age of 20.

“She started her early teaching years in some of the more challenging areas of London before returning home to Maryport to care for her father, William Penn who was also a teacher and active senior member of the National Union of Teachers.”

Goldsmiths, University of London awarded Honorary Degrees to those students who graduated prior to 1982 in recognition of the degree status of the original Certificate in Education and also to recognise the contribution of an amazing group of teachers who had been educated at the prestigious university.

Mrs Price said: “The ceremony was lovely. We got to go back to the old college and it was a very special occasion.

“One of the speakers was the chairman of the Stephen Lawrence Trust. He was very interesting.

“There was prosecco and nibbles and live music.

“I went with my daughters as my husband wasn’t very well.”

Speaking of her teaching days, Mrs Price said: “I enjoyed myself. I was very happy. I had good staff and good parents.

“I always wanted to teach and so I was doing what I wanted to do - not many people can say that.”

Mrs Price managed two separate schools from 1990 to 1992 and was accountable for two governing bodies and two budgets. She helped oversee the large scale building redevelopment of the primary school building when the infant and junior schools merged to form one - Morton Park Primary School.

She said: “I remember when TV presenter Noel Edmonds came to Morton Park. I organised a garden party which raised £4,000 for the Eden Valley Hospice.”

Mrs Price taught in London after finishing her course.

She said: “Areas like Lewisham and Deptford were quite poor.

“Coming from Cumbria it was a good grounding.

“I used to take the children into central London to visit museums and monuments as that was something they didn’t generally get to do as their families couldn’t afford it.”

Mrs Price took voluntary early retirement in August 1995.

Claire said: “I am immensely proud of my mum, both for the recognition of this degree but also for her teaching achievements over the years.

“I am sure most of those who experienced her fair but firm hand over the years will celebrate her success with me.”

A spokesman for Goldsmiths, University of London, said: “The award of an Honorary Fellowship or Degree marks an extraordinary lifetime achievement.

“Goldsmiths awards Honorary Fellowships to those whose exceptional accomplishments reflect the ethos and values important to our community.

“It is an opportunity for us to honour individuals who have inspired our students, contributed to our community and achieved distinction in industries pursued by our creative and academic disciplines.

“Recipients might be alumni or members of the local community who have achieved distinction in their chosen calling, former staff who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to furthering the work of Goldsmiths, or an inspirational individual who has the potential to act as a champion or supporter for the university.

“The award of an Honorary Degree recognises a body of work that can be considered equivalent to completing a Doctorate in a discipline represented at Goldsmiths.

“Recipients are outstanding in their field and command national or international recognition.”

Morton Park Primary School, on Burnrigg, closed in 2006. A new £6m residential care home is being created on its former site. Building work began in August 2017 but it has not yet opened.