A HEADTEACHER is retiring after more than three decades at the school. Keith Weekes, head of Nobel School in Stevenage, will go at the end of this academic year after arriving in 1972. During his Nobel career, Keith has been head of careers and head of pa

A HEADTEACHER is retiring after more than three decades at the school.

Keith Weekes, head of Nobel School in Stevenage, will go at the end of this academic year after arriving in 1972.

During his Nobel career, Keith has been head of careers and head of pastoral care, as well as teaching geography, PE and RE.

In his youth he competed at national level in athletics and played football as a youth for Spurs.

He brought his love of sport to the school and was actively involved in coaching and extending the number of extra curricular activities available, becoming heavily involved in sports development for local youngsters.

Barry Burningham, deputy head, said: "Keith has always willingly given up his own time to give students a wider experience of life and there have been many memorable school trips, both in England and abroad.

"As a result of his passion and enthusiasm, many students have been introduced to fell walking, and in some cases this has led to a lifelong interest, past students still return each year to help with the present trips.

"He is fun to be with, totally unflappable, an excellent organiser and a great raconteur (much appreciated on the long journeys).

"An extremely popular head, Keith has always been very approachable. He is a sympathetic listener to whom people readily turn for advice and support.

"A remarkable testament to the affection in which he is regarded was the standing ovation given to him by the Year 11 students in their final assembly."

* To mark Mr Weekes' retirement, the school has organised an open afternoon for past students, parents and anyone else who knows him.

The school will be open to visitors on July 14 from 2pm to 5pm in order to chat to Mr Weekes.