Tribute to Middleton Primary School’s outgoing headteacher

Middleton Primary School is saying goodbye to headteacher Miss Sam Williams this summer and the school and local community would like to thank her for her many years of service and wish her well in her retirement.

Miss Williams has contributed to education throughout her professional life. Before coming to Middleton as Deputy Principal in 2006, she worked in Manchester in various schools and has always shown a knack for leadership. He then became the principal of Middleton Primary School in 2007.

She has always been clear and committed to her values ​​and vision for education and has worked incredibly hard for 17 years to give the children of Middleton the best possible educational offer. She has always been a passionate supporter of providing experiences for children, including a wide range of housing. She is a role model for educators, showing people that kindness, compassion and understanding improve education for the young people in her care.

In November 2022, Ofsted rated the school as Good and highlighted that school leaders have “built strong relationships with families”, “invested in high quality care and support for children with SEND” and “run a wide range of educational visits “.

We asked people who know Miss Williams to write about her and her many qualities.

“I have been privileged to work closely with Miss Williams for many years in South Leeds. Her devotion to young people, to each and every one of them, is incredible. She is driven, determined and dedicated. Her positivity and warmth are there for all to see, and her ability to see the good in all the children she works with leads to improvement and success. She is an excellent leader and her experience and knowledge will be missed within Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust and we all wish her well for a well-deserved retirement!”

David Gurney, Chief Executive, Cockburn MAT.

“I feel lucky to have been able to work alongside her for 12 years and to have learned so much from her; a mentor and also a friend. I hope you have the most wonderful retirement Miss Williams, you’ve certainly earned it!”

Miss Tissiman, Assistant Principal (and Principal from September 2024).

“I have worked with Miss Williams my entire career. Miss Williams’ leadership saw me progress from an NQT to an Assistant Headteacher at Middleton. I enjoyed working with her and she has been a truly inspirational person in my life and more importantly now a friend. I’ve had some rough days at school but she always finds a little light in situations and I laughed till I cried! Her behavior with staff, children and animals is one to be admired by all. Middleton will never be the same without you and neither will I. You deserve the happiest retirement, congratulations.”

Miss Ward, Assistant Principal.

“I have worked for Miss Williams since she started at MPS in 2006 and over the years she has transformed our school into a place that I am very proud to work at. She is not just a colleague, she is a friend and the fact that she is loved and respected by staff, students and parents alike is testament to the type of person she is. The school will not be the same without her, but I wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.”

Miss Lynn, Office Manager

“Miss Williams had already been headteacher for a year when I started at Middleton Primary School in 2008 and I have seen her make a lot of changes which have had a positive effect on children, parents and staff alike. She was a kind, caring, approachable person to all of us, as well as being a lot of fun, she got along great with everyone and she will be sorely missed!”

Miss Baldwinson, Financial Assistant.

“Miss Williams has been a brilliant and inspirational headteacher for Middleton Primary, which has seen the school rated ‘good’ in the last two most recent Ofsted inspections. Having Miss Williams as my headteacher has made my role as Chair of Governors so much easier and she has been a pleasure to work alongside. She will indeed be a tough act to follow!”

Geoff Day – Chairman of Governors.

“Retirement is great. There’s nothing you can do and you don’t have to worry about getting caught.”

Miss Hales, support staff manager.

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Miss Williams for the past 17 years. She has been an inspiration and support to me during this time. I wouldn’t be where I am without her. There were many changes along the way, but Miss Williams was the constant. I will miss her, but I wish her all the best in her retirement!”

Miss Stockdale, teacher.

“From the bottom of our hearts – thank you! For your care. Because we support our children and us, the parents! For knowing everyone’s name and encouraging us when we needed it. For every minute spent with my son building Lego and every shoelace tied for the other. To teach children how important it is to keep an open mind and keep promises to them. For leading the school with such passion and positive spirit. We will all miss your smile by the school gates so much!”

Natalia Marciniak, parent

“Miss Williams, where do I begin? You were the headmaster for all four of my children and each one of them loved you from the start. You have always been an important part of my children’s education, but not only have you always been there for me as a parent, which I cannot thank you enough for. You are truly a staple of Middleton Primary School and it will be sad to see you go. But after all the hard work and years in school, you deserve the break.”

Kelly Gibson – Father

“Miss Williams, we have known you for many years, since the first day you walked through the primary gates. Five of our children and numerous grandchildren have previously attended or continue to attend MPS. You have brought this school forward in so many positive ways. I have always found you to be reliable, approachable, honest and fair. You have always treated us with fairness and respect. Miss Williams, in our honest opinion, you are the best director this premiere has ever had. You should and I hope you feel very proud of yourself and all you have done for the children of Middleton. We wish you a very happy retirement. Now go and do all the things you love to do and enjoy them stress-free. Take care and all the best for the future!”

Sharon and Allan Wright and all the Wright children and grandchildren.

“I love Miss Williams’ calming energy and the way she remembers every child’s name at the gates every morning. Miss W is cut from a different cloth and will be missed.”

Sara Larnyoh, parent

“In short, I would like to say, it has truly been a great honor to have had Miss Williams as principal for MPS all these years. She is always very involved in what is going on in the school and always seems to be at the helm of things, very hands on. She has always been very passionate about students and has a special interest in getting to know them. In fact, it never ceases to amaze me how she manages to remember each child’s name and relate to each one personally. Most of the time she will join the gate staff and meet and greet parents/students which is just a lovely gesture as it makes her very relatable. She has served her school well and I wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life.”

Mother of Dianne and David

Good luck Miss Williams and thank you.

This post is based on a press release issued by Middleton Primary School

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