THE headteacher of Tannery Drift School in Royston is retiring tomorrow (Friday) after 18 years at the school. Andrew Nichols, 59, says he will now be spending more time travelling and at home. When I joined Tannery Drift in 1988, my main aim was to ha

THE headteacher of Tannery Drift School in Royston is retiring tomorrow (Friday) after 18 years at the school. Andrew Nichols, 59, says he will now be spending more time travelling - and at home. "When I joined Tannery Drift in 1988, my main aim was to have a happy, caring and sharing school and most people would say we have fulfilled that," he said. "I shall really miss the children, the staff, the governing body and the supporting group of parents." "But my fondest memories are having fun with pupils and staff, especially at productions and with musical activities," he said. Mr Nichols began teaching in 1968 at a secondary school in Bedfordshire. But in 1970 he made the transition from secondary to primary education and moved to Bedford Road Primary School in Kempston. In 1972, Mr Nichols moved to Hertfordshire and taught at Westbury Primary School in Letchworth before being the deputy headteacher at St Andrew's School, Hitchin. Before moving to Tannery Drift in 1988, Mr Nichols was part of the advisory team for Herts Primary Science and Technology Project, which improved the profile of science and technology in schools. He also worked with children and helped set up a science centre. And two years ago Mr Nichols became an Ofsted trained inspector. He said: "It helps to be an inspector when working in schools because you get a feel for how Ofsted views things." During his teaching career, Mr Nichols has seen the introduction of the National Curriculum and Ofsted inspections. He said: "I think the majority of them have brought a great deal of benefit and I think it's getting better." Mr Nichols continued: "It will be very strange to leave Tannery Drift, but the school will continue to try to do its best for the people it works with, so they get the highest quality of education." Following his retirement Mr Nichols will have a holiday in Menorca and is looking forward to a trip to America. "I also want to turn my garden into something that doesn't resemble a jungle," he said. Anna Greetham will be the new headteacher, but until her arrival deputy headteacher Kelly Burtonshaw will be in charge.