Derbyshire has plenty of well-performing schools, which regularly pass their Ofsted inspections with flying colours and achieve impressive exam results, competing with the best education facilities across the country.
But to reach for the stars, schools need a strong leader at the helm.
We have delved into our archive to have a look back at the cherished headteachers, who inspired generations of pupils across Derbyshire – with some serving for up to four decades.
Have a look at this retro gallery and take a trip down memory lane to your school days.
Can you spot a former schoolmate, or a headteacher that you remember from years gone by?
17. St Thomas School, Ilkeston
St Thomas School in Ilkeston bids farewell to headteacher Michael Geraghty, retiring after 25 years. He is pictured with the children who presented gifts at the farewell assembly. Photo: Anne Shelley
18. Alfreton Park Community Special School
Alfreton Park Community Special School Cheryl Smart (right) is pictured with Paralympian swimmer Charlotte Henshaw (centre) and retired teacher Margaret Clarke, cutting the ribbon to officially open the Margaret Clark Hydrotherapy Pool at the Alfreton Park Community Special School in 2017. Photo: Anne Shelley
19. St Mary's Primary Catholic Primary School , New Mills
John Barratt, retiring headteacher at St Mary's Primary in New Mills in 2015. Photo: Jason Chadwick
20. Buxton Community School, Buxton
Buxton Community School’s headteacher Alan Kelly celebrated his retirement with a special concert at the Pavilion Gardens in 2023, where pupils past and present performed some of his favourite pieces of music, drama and dance. Mr Kelly, a drumming enthusiast, served as the headteacher of the Buxton secondary school through the 1990s and 2000s. Photo: Jason Chadwick