Popular head bids farewell to village school

Staff and pupils at Barrow Primary School are preparing to say a fond farewell to a much-loved headteacher.
Retiring head Mrs Christine MarchiRetiring head Mrs Christine Marchi
Retiring head Mrs Christine Marchi

It’s the end of an era for Mrs Christine Marchi, who will retire from the village school, having been diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in June last year, for which she continues to receive treatment.

Appointed in November 2001 when the school had been under threat of closure, Mrs Marchi, supported by her Chair of Governors Mr John Strong, worked tirelessly to raise standards culminating in an “Outstanding” Ofsted status in 2010, which was repeated in 2013 and maintained since.

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In addition, Mrs Marchi and Mr Strong have overseen two building extensions and successfully lobbied Lancashire County Council for a third which will be completed in September 2019 when Barrow will become a single form entry school to provide for local need.

In a statement released to the Clitheroe Advertiser about her retirement, Mrs Marchi said: “It has been my pleasure and privilege to oversee the development of this wonderful school and see the hard work being recognised by both Ofsted and Lancashire County Council.

“The support of Mr Strong has been vital to this project and he will be a hard act to follow. Mr Strong and I wish the school, its pupils past present and future every success in the years to come.”

James Johnstone, chair of governors at Barrow Primary School, said: “Mrs. Marchi has been a great headteacher who has led our school to Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ status. We are really appreciative of the enormous contribution she has made. Mrs. Marchi’s ability to inspire both staff and pupils has made our school a wonderful place to work and to study. I’d like to personally thank her for all she has done for our school, and to wish her a well-deserved retirement.”