After twenty six years at Downlands, the school said ‘Farewell’ to Headteacher Rose Hetherton at the end of last term.
Old and current staff mingled with former and current governors, PTA members and local residents as well as Rose’s former teachers during a summer afternoon tea held in July to wish her well in her well-earned retirement after seven successful years as Head of Downlands Community School.
Di Hunt, the current Chair of Governors, gave a moving speech about the fantastic contribution Rose has made to the school and the local community during her time at the school.
Mark Wignall takes over as new Headteacher from this month.
Mr Wignall was previously one of the school’s deputy headteachers.
The Governors of the Hassocks school felt that Mr Wignall was the best candidate to continue moving Downlands forward. “With the major build project on the horizon and an increase in pupil numbers we are sure that Mr Wignall will do an excellent job in maintaining the values and ethos of the school,” one commented.