It was a time of celebration, as students and staff from Holy Name and Our Lady & St Philomena Catholic Primary Schools came together to celebrate the work of retiring Executive Headteacher Anne Radford.
Anne will be retiring after a 51 year career in Catholic Schools across the Archdiocese of Liverpool.
She started out in 1974 at Holy Cross Primary School in St Helens, before moving to All Saints Primary School in Golborne 14 years later, and later returned to St Helens.
Her first deputy position was at St Malachy’s in Liverpool which she felt was a calling. She then worked at another school in Liverpool, before joining Holy Name in 2002 as Headteacher and also took on Our Lady and St Philomena’s a decade ago.
As recognition of her work, Anne was presented with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontiface Medal, which is one of the highest honours that can be bestowed upon a layperson.
Reacting to the award of the medal, Anne said: "I’m still in a daze. I had no idea it was going to happen – I only found out the day before that there was going to be a Mass for me, which was beautiful.
“I’ve tried my best throughout my career. I’ve always had the philosophy of children first, with the staff a very close second, and in my main school, that is the philosophy that is still being carried on. I’ve passed the baton on – we’re a family.
“When I went to St Philly’s (Our Lady and St Philomena), I adopted the same philosophy and nurtured the staff. The children are central to everything. And they have been the reason for my being."
When asked about what she will miss as a Headteacher, Anne said: “The children. They bring a smile to your face, as well as tears.
“Every person has a story to tell, and I love having banter with them, even about football.
“It has been my privilege to serve in my career, and I have been blessed to work with amazing staff and governors. This award should be for them – for putting me where I am.”
After taking a well-earned rest, Anne will be keeping busy as a School Improvement Partner (SIP) and as an inspector for the Catholic School Inspectorate (CSI).
