The man who has been the headteacher at West Craven High Technology College for the last 16 years, Mr Arnold Kuchartschuk, has retired.
Mr Kuchartschuk, who came to the school from a Church of England high school in Croston, Preston, paid tribute to the “fantastic” team of staff, governors and parents who had supported him during his time at the school.
Many of those involved attended a farewell presentation there on Thursday.
“I have been very fortunate to have their help,” he said.
“There have been many changes over the years – we achieved specialist college status, the results have improved and I have been involved in the new school build programme.
“We also received a good Ofsted report in the latest inspection.
“As headteacher I have had the chance to see all the hard work and changes the team has brought about. We have been like one big family.”
Mr Kuchartschuk began his teaching career at South Craven High School in Cross Hills, where he was responsible for running the sixth form and Year 11 for a number of years, many of whose pupils are the parents of current West Craven pupils.
From there he moved on to take up a deputy headship a Church of England school outside Preston and thought his destiny was to become a headteacher in a similar school.
“The position of headteacher at West Craven was advertised and as the area was very special to me, I applied and fought hard to win the post,” said Mr Kuchartschuk in a farewell letter to parents.
“West Craven and its families hold a very special place in my heart. My wife used to work for Jack Heald when he was editor at the Craven Herald and it was links such as these that made serving you as headteacher more than just a job.
“Over the years we have all worked hard as a team to drive the school forward and as parents, you have never let me down – thank you. The young people we serve are superb and watching them in their classes gives me wonderful hope for the future.
“My view of our students was echoed by the Ofsted team when the school was awarded a ‘Good’ Ofsted following an inspection this October.
“The school building is moving forward rapidly. Science labs are in place, Technology rooms have been completed and the steel structure has already been erected for the new build.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Keith Bailey for making the project happen.”