Pupils, parents and teachers at an Oxford primary school have praised their headteacher - who is retiring after 17 years spent transforming its fortunes.

Bunty McCormack took over at St Joseph's Primary School, in Headley Way, Headington, in April 1990 and has overseen the school through its transition from first school to primary school.

Thursday will be Mrs McCormack's last day, and she has spoken of her sadness at leaving.

She said: "I've been incredibly lucky and happy in my time at the school.

"I've been surrounded by great staff and fantastic governors and parents who have been really supportive.

"The children have also been a delight to teach. It's just been a great job and I have really loved every minute of it.

"I didn't think I would recognise the right time to go, but I did and that has been nice."

Mrs McCormack said: "Our Ofsted results are good, because they confirm the hard work we have done. I've given this job my all and it has been a big, big part of my life - so it is nice to have those results that show we have done our all."

She said she was looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and travelling with her husband, Hugh.

She added: "I will finally be able to take my holidays during term time."

The school will hold a farewell celebration on Thursday, in her honour.

Sophie Bale, chairman of the parent teacher association at St Joseph's, said pupils would be sad to see her go.

Mrs Bale, whose two children, Fred, eight, and Grace, six, attend the primary school, said: "The kids are really going to miss Bunty. When she said she was leaving there were tears all over the place and children weeping.

"That's why we have organised the celebration. We don't want her to go and the children will all be low. We want them to remember it as a good day."