Life after the bell

Meet some of our retired teachers

Read teacher's retirement storiesContents

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Life after the bell

After nearly 40 years of teaching, Julie retired at age 62 last Christmas.

“I’m loving the holidays, more time with friends and family and starting new hobbies. I retired last Christmas after almost 40 years of teaching at age 62 (I didn’t feel ready before this).

I’ve enjoyed a couple of fabulous holidays already without the inflated price tag. I love going to matinees at the theatre. We walk a lot, I do aquafit and swim every week. We have leisurely lovely days out when places are not too busy. I meet regularly with former colleagues which is lovely and have more time to see friends and family."

Julie

“No stress, no timetable. Perfect!”

After 32 years in education, with 12 years each as a Deputy and Head, Phil chose Early Retirement at 58.

While he misses the children and his colleagues, he's now embracing a life filled with new adventures which include skiing, walking, 5-a-side football, and even recording music (give RainMachine on Spotify a listen).

Phil's journey shows that retirement can be a period full of experiences and cherished moments. He's still connected to his school as a governor. Proving that retirement doesn't mean fully disconnecting from what you love.

Phil

Phil's advice? “Don't wait too long to enjoy this phase of life! ”

Jane retired in December 2017, after 37 years in teaching; 29 of them as headteacher. She also had three sons of her own, one with Down’s Syndrome.

Jane’s life was hectic for years, but she adored her job. Her school was deemed outstanding by Ofsted, and she also became a National Leader of Education.

Jane prepared carefully for retirement and as a result has been able to travel widely.

During the past five years, Jane has been able to explore her own interests, including learning the piano, exploring a passion for genealogy and re-learning Latin. She's also begun studying Ancient Greek with her brilliant tutor, Jenny.

She discovered the Rothsay Education Centre for over 50s, taking up a range of courses there including a writing group where she managed to write a whole novel.

As a ‘lady who lunches’ with her friends, she visits many exhibitions, National Trust and English Heritage stately homes and gardens and tries to work off those lunches through weight-lifting and cardio at a local gym.

Jane

“My life is full and stimulating; there is so much to learn still, and to see of the world.”

Georgina took Early Retirement. Together with her husband, she bought an old 40ft yacht named Fandancer and embarked on an epic journey across Europe to Greece.

Over the next nine years, they explored 43 Greek Islands, During their travels, they rescued a Greek kitten from Evia, who became a cherished companion on board for two years before joining them in the UK.

Georgina's passion for storytelling has led her to write around 20 articles for various yacht magazines and even a couple for a Cat magazine. Their winters were spent leaving Fandancer in different Greek boatyards while they travelled back to England, renting cottages like one on the Isle of Wight, a place they fell in love with.

Now settled on the Isle of Wight, Georgina continues to fuel her creativity through art and photography while actively engaging in the Women's Institute.

Georgina

“We still have that wanderlust, and now have an old Campervan.”

After 32 years in education, including 15 as a Headteacher, Sue retired in 2019.

Since retiring Sue has been around the world at least once, enjoys days out midweek, lunch and being in the garden listening to TMS with Wimbledon on the TV.