A headteacher will be celebrated as she reaches her 20th year on the job.

Lynn Harrison, headteacher of Irthington Village School, will today receive praise and thanks from parents of children in the school, fellow staff, and former pupils at an evening social event.

Intent on keeping it under wraps until the day, Jessica Lawton – chair of the school’s PTA – said Mrs Harrison’s two-decade stint is ‘quite phenomenal’ considering the changes to curriculum and in governments, on top of Covid pressures.

“I’ve known her for 17 years and used to work in the school which my children now attend.

“On the whole, Lynn is an extremely appreciated head, and we want to celebrate what she’s achieved for the school.”

In her 50s, Mrs Harrison is considered a young headteacher, and 20 years ago it was ‘an anomaly’ to be hired in one's 30s, but having done so is a testament to her ability.

“It is largely down to Lynn’s innate ability to go above and beyond, that’s just part of her nature," said Ms Lawton.

“She’s always diligent in everything she does, such as by managing finances so children don’t suffer.

“There are countless examples of families who are suffering mentally, emotionally, and physically, but Lynn has always rallied for them in difficult times.”

The school is heavily involved in the community thanks to Mrs Harrison, as Ms Lawton explained: “Lynn wants the school to be a focal point of the community, she includes as many factors of the community as possible.

“While we’re not a religious school she involves the church as much as she can, and people feel that's part of the community – and every year at harvest the children deliver food to the elderly and infirm.”

Ms Lawton also noted that Mrs Harrison was joined by the deputy head Fiona Sweetman and her PA Sue Lupton who joined at the same time, and that it’s a team effort.

The festivities begin at 6.30pm today at the school, which will be a ‘total surprise’ for Mrs Harrison who ‘hates being the focus of attention’.

Parents and children, however, are keen to mark this milestone, Ms Lawton said, adding that it will be kept small so it won’t ‘completely humiliate her’.

“There’ll be many faces from the past popping along, so I think it will be a lovely social.”