TWO senior teachers have retired after dedicating their working lives to thousands of young people on Teesside.
John Rhodes and Fiona Braithwaite were involved in major changes to education in Middlesbrough when Brackenhoe and Coulby Newham schools came together in The King's Academy, run by the Emmanuel Schools Foundation, in 2003.
The academy has gone on to be a major success story, significantly raising attainment, aspiration and opportunity for young people from disadvantaged areas.
Mr Rhodes, who has retired as a vice principal, recalled the academy's opening day.
"We took the decision to have all the students come together on that first day. The local authority was running a book on how many students we would send home; they thought our expectations were too high and students wouldn't wear the uniform.
"They came, not only wearing their uniform, but wearing it exactly as we had specified. One student had his top button undone and for some bizarre reason stood his ground and refused to fasten it. He was the only one to be sent home. It was the high standard we set on day one of The King's Academy, and when the students went inside they couldn't believe the school they had been given."
Mr Rhodes, a sports coach as well as a member of the senior leadership team who set up the academy's regular football tour to Texas, also recalled low points, including having a heart attack at school.
"It was the best place to have it, it couldn't have been better," he said. “The academy is handily placed for James Cook Hospital, which is a centre of excellence for heart attack situations. The attack happened on A level results day 2012 as soon as I arrived at school at 7am. By the end of the day everything was fixed.”
Mr Rhodes, who worked in Middlesbrough for 30 years, added: "What a great place this is for me to end my teaching career. The ex-Brackenhoe students flourished, grew and seized the opportunities. It's so satisfying to see even the naughty kids come good, even if it's a couple of years later, because of what they learned at The King’s Academy.
"It's been a pleasure working with so many parents wanting excellence for their sons and daughters, and the staff are second to none, going above and beyond the call of duty. I leave with some great memories."
Mrs Braithwaite is the academy's longest serving head of department, leading the history department since the academy opened.
She said thousands of students had her to thank for their blue uniform. "I spoke up against some of the horrible colours that might have been chosen," she joked with students at the annual prize-giving.
Mrs Braithwaite, who estimates teaching around 6,500 students in her career, added: "I am so proud and grateful to have played a part in The Kings Academy's success. I have tried to help children grow into decent, caring and responsible, well-educated young adults, who also know a thing or two about history, and I am thankful my life has been touched by them.
"Your education is probably the best free gift you will ever receive. If I could start all over again I would love to be a pupil at this school."
Mr Rhodes and Mrs Braithwaite have left at the same time as Chris Drew, who will hand over to new Principal David Dawes in September.
Mr Drew said: "Fiona and John have dedicated the last 12 years of their careers to The King's Academy and their impact will last for even longer. They were integral to laying the foundations of a vibrant, caring school with excellent teaching, where every student is valued and supported to be the best they can be, and that legacy will continue for years to come."