SIX teachers who have worked at a school for more than 150 years are retiring this summer.

The Harwich School is saying goodbye to Julie Cook, head of girl’s PE, Mike Gilders, maths teacher, Cath Hartwell, science teacher and Ron Keen, former acting deputy head, who retire August 31 after a farewell assembly at the end of term.

Paul Gallifant, technology teacher, and Phil Hartwell, science teacher, who are both part-time teachers are also retiring after working for 18 and 30 years.

Mr Keen, who has been at the school for 33 years, said: “Harwich has been a great place to work and live. When I meet former students in the town it is nice to hear how their years at the school have helped them build successful lives”.

The teachers have had memorable achievements including Mr Gilders winning a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Teaching Awards Trust’s Regional Awards in 2005 and Mrs Cook was a former England and Great Britain field hockey goalkeeper.

Mr Gilders, who worked at the school for 37 years, said: “Harwich should be proud of its young people as it is they who have persuaded me to spend my entire career in the town.”

Nigel Mountford, headteacher of The Harwich School said that all six of the teachers would be missed by students and staff.

“I am very grateful to these members of staff for their lengthy commitment to the school and for all of the hard work that they have put in to making it a better place.”