By Kelly Eve

Last updated at 16:44, Friday, 17 February 2012

The headteacher of a Carlisle special school is to retire later this year.

Corinna Cartwright

Corinna Cartwright has worked at James Rennie School in California Road, for 18 years, the last five as head.

Her retirement will begin after the school year ends in July.

She is the fourth leading headteacher in north Cumbria to announce their departure in as many months.

Janet Downes and Andy Abernethy are retiring from their posts at Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton and Caldew School, Dalston, while Chris Lumb is leaving Austin Friars St Monica’s in Carlisle to become principal of St Joseph’s College in Ipswich.

Mrs Cartwright said: “Outside of my marriage and the birth of my three children James Rennie School has been the best thing that has happened to me.

“It has been a rewarding and challenging five years as headteacher but during that time the school has blossomed and grown into the centre of excellence that it is today, moving from the Ofsted grade of ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’.

“The school lies close to the hearts of the people of Carlisle and is admired and respected by all those who visit.”

Mrs Cartwright was born in London. She graduated from Sussex University and now regards Carlisle as her home.

She is married to Euan, who was formerly director for leisure at Carlisle City Council and is vice-chairman of the board of directors at the University of Cumbria.

Mrs Cartwright said: “I am looking forwards to spending more time with Euan, travelling, reading, walking and possibly discovering an as yet undiscovered talent for something creative.”

During her time in charge, Mrs Cartwright says James Rennie School has developed an enviable record for meeting over 90 per cent of expected outcomes for children with severe and profound learning difficulties.

Five years ago the school became a designated communication college and has helped children across the city district at both primary and secondary level in communication techniques as part of its successful outreach programme.

First published at 14:08, Friday, 17 February 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk