A HEADTEACHER of a leading independent school is to retire this week after more than seven years in charge.

Marie Green has been head teacher at Polam Hall School, in Darlington, since January 2004.

She retires this week, at the end of the summer term and school year, after more than 30 years of teaching in independent schools.

Miss Green, from Bolton, was previously head of English at Witherington Girls' School, in Manchester.

She took over at Polam from Helen Hamilton, who retired because of ill-health the previous year, having spent 16 years in charge. She died in April 2003.

Yesterday, a presentation was made to Miss Green by Darlington Mayor Lee Vasey.

Councillor Vasey said: "I would like to thank Marie for all her hard work in getting the schoolmore involved with the local community. It was great to see Polam represented at the recent Armed Forces Day.

"I wish Marie all the best in her retirement and hope that the school continues to work closely with the local community." Sally Pelham, chairwoman of the board of governors, said: "On behalf of the school, I would like to thank Miss Green for the energy, enthusiasm and dedication with which she has led the school for the past eight years.

"The school's value added scores are second to none, and pupils have achieved well above expectations.

"For a non-selective school the results have been quite outstanding.

"Miss Green was instrumental in the introduction of the diamond model and its successful implementation has been down to her drive and endeavour."

The diamond model involves separate teaching for boys and girls at secondary school and mixed classes at junior and sixth form.

Since September, boys aged from two to 18 have been able to join the school, which previously only accepted boys at its nursery and sixth form.

Miss Green said: "It has been a great honour to lead what is a very special school.

I am extremely proud of the Polam Hall pupils and I know they will continue to excel.

"I will miss the school community enormously and thank all those whose support has made my eight years of headship so rewarding."