Two South Cumbria schools have bid a fond farewell to a headteacher who is about to embark on a new life in Scandinavia.

Mrs Nicola Rielly was the executive head at St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Ulverston since the school amalgamated with Our Lady of the Rosary, Dalton, where she was head for 15 years, to become the Our Lady of Furness Catholic Federation.

Described as ‘dedicated, kind, thoughtful, fun and, most of all, inspiring,’ Mrs Rielly, who previously worked at Sacred Heart in Barrow, retired from her role at the end of the school term.

However, rather than take it easy, she has left for Sweden, where she will be taking up a new post in education from August 17.

School governor Millie Scott said: “Mrs Rielly has been committed to achieving the best outcomes for all children at the two schools and has fostered a positive and inclusive approach, which is shared by all staff and governors.

“She has given colleagues opportunities to develop and take on new responsibilities, demonstrating great confidence and trust in all.

“She has delighted in all successes achieved by the children and her love of life and young people shines through in all her work.”

Mrs Rielly’s work ethic remained until her final day with the two schools, as she helped her deputies Laura Byrne (Our Lady’s) and Liz Crellin (St Mary’s) plan for the new term in September.

She was given a proper, albeit socially distanced, send-off at St Mary’s on July 17.

Millie Scott said: Working in education you don’t look for thanks or recognition, you get your reward from seeing children grow in confidence and develop skills that will help them on their life’s journey.

“She has touched many lives and deserves to be acknowledged for the tremendous role she has played in the area.”

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