Teacher Jackie retires after 40 years at Werneth Primary School
Jackie Hodgkiss, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and teacher at Werneth Primary School, has retired after 40 years of dedicated service. Her deep knowledge of the Werneth community and her exceptional support for families, particularly during challenging times, have made her an irreplaceable figure. She is highly respected by colleagues, external agencies, and former staff, as evidenced by her leaving event and the trust's first Exceptional Long Service Award. Jackie will remain connected to the school as a co-opted Governor.
Jackie Hodgkiss Retires After 40 Years of Safeguarding Werneth Primary Community
Jackie Hodgkiss closed her 40-year chapter at Werneth Primary School at the end of the Autumn term, stepping down as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and teaching team member whose deep knowledge of generations of Werneth families has become legendary throughout the school community.
The retirement celebration drew former staff, governors and external professionals who filled the hall to honor the woman whose warmth and humanity guided countless families through their most challenging moments. Jonathan Bell, Principal at Werneth Primary, told the gathering: “Jackie has been a pillar of our school community throughout her 40 years at Werneth Primary School. From grandparents to three-year-olds, Jackie knows our families like no one else. Jackie always goes above and beyond for our families - advocating for our families and working tirelessly to get our families the support they need and deserve.”
Bell presented Hodgkiss with the trust’s first-ever Exceptional Long Service Award, created specifically for those who have dedicated 35 or more years to their school and community. The award capped an evening where colleagues from Social Services and external agencies joined teachers, friends and family to express their gratitude for her tireless advocacy.
Jayne Clarke OBE, CEO of The Pinnacle Learning Trust, noted that Hodgkiss’s impact extended far beyond the school gates: “She has also supported her colleagues in the safeguarding team across our trust, having an impact well beyond the school.” Even in retirement, Hodgkiss will maintain her connection to Werneth as a co-opted Governor, embodying the school’s values of “Care, Aspire and Persevere” that have defined her four decades of service.
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