'Wonderful' and 'special' send off for Arundel Court Primary Academy headteacher retiring after over 16 years at helm in Portsmouth

Karen Stocks, the headteacher of Arundel Court Primary Academy, was joined by hundreds of staff, pupils and parents in a heart-warming send off which lasted two days. Yesterday, a throng of children and parents lined the school field in Fyning Street as the 57-year-old gave a lap of honour, with maids of honour gathering floral bouquets behind her.

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The celebrations continued today with dozens of staff and the school governors gathering in the hall for lunch. Ms Stocks, who has been at the helm for over 16 years, told The News: ‘We’ve had a lovely gathering of over 115 staff and had a wonderful send off, with videos and a wonderful speech from the head of governors.

‘It was all a bit of a blur. I was completely overwhelmed. The parents and children showed me lots of love.

‘Both days were full of surprises.’

Ms Stocks, who has been in education since 1988, was asked to wear party clothes. On one of the days, she was greeted by children in their own celebratory dress, with a big balloon arch looming over the hall.

The Waterlooville resident added it was a ‘sea of black and gold’, with ‘eager’ children waiting to sing songs, read poems and show her the paintings and pictures they made. ’It absolutely blew me away, it was very very emotional,’ she said. Celebrations continued throughout both days. One pupil dressed in a Michael Jackson costume - complete with sparkly glove - performed a perfect moonwalk while the grooving tunes of Billie Jean echoed in the background.

Ms Stocks greeted everyone on the field while adorned with a handmade balloon crown. She said it was like a ‘carnival atmosphere’ with the school bell ringing, shakers, drums and ‘a sea of flowers and chocolates’.

‘My house is absolutely filled,’ Ms Stocks said. ‘I could set up my own florists and chocolate shop. The parents have been so generous and so kind.

‘Everyone wanted photographs, I felt like a celebrity. I’ve been here a long time, and you get to know the parents over time.

‘They become your work family. I’ve seen generations of children growing up and sending their own kids here. It is a very special community of Landport.

‘I just feel really loved and appreciated. It was a special send off.’ The staff meet up today ended with Green Green Grass by George Ezra.

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Ms Stocks said she wouldn’t miss the paperwork and emails, but feels sad to leave the community behind.

‘Strong friendships have grown since I’ve been here. It is not a “goodbye”, it is a “see you later”’. The headteacher is excited to start her new journey, travelling with her husband, and looking after their new 12-week-old Labrador Frank.

She has overseen vast changes at Arundel Court Primary Academy – moving into a new building in 2020 just weeks before lockdown, joining the University of Chichester academy trust in 2017, and embedding a culture of strong values: being respectful, inclusive, independent, safe and kind,

‘I said to the children it’s my “bus stop, I’ve got to get off the bus,” she said. ‘I think I’ve done everything I can for this community.’