AFTER 11 years, a headteacher is stepping down from an Oxford primary school.

Tom Walker, headteacher at St Aloysius’ Catholic Primary School, sent his final newsletter to parents and carers on Friday.

On his final day, the whole school gathered (observing bubbles and social distancing) to sing ‘Our School’ to the tune of Madness’ Our House.

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Writing in the school’s December newsletter, Mr Walker said: “Thank you so much for all the messages, cards and presents I have received during this past week.

“I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work at St Aloysius’ Catholic Primary School for the past 11 years and this little patch of north Oxford will always hold a special place in my heart.

“The support I have received from staff, governors and parents over the years has been amazing.

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“I am also truly grateful to the fathers of the oratory for their constant and continuing support for the school.

“They help us provide a rich ‘Catholic life’ for the children and I know they keep the school community in their prayers.

“I hope that 2021 will offer the opportunity for all schools to get back to a more ‘normal’ service.”

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Next year Mr Walker is planning on walking the Way of St James, a pilgrimage route to the shrine of the apostle St James the Great in north-west Spain.

He is being replaced by Hannah Duncan, the school’s deputy headteacher.

At its last full Ofsted inspection, in November 2016, St Aloysius’ was rated ‘good’.