THE head teacher at Ormiston Park Academy has retired from the role.

Tess Walker was principal at the school for 12 years, leading its transformation from the struggling Aveley School to state-of-the-art academy.

She will be undertaking further study to continue with her passion of supporting others to realise their potential.

For the immediate future the Academy will continue to be led by Co-Principal Mr Huw Derrick, who now adopts the full role of Acting Principal.

But Mrs Walker leaves the school just weeks after it achieved the worst secondary schools in the borough, with just 38 per cent of pupils achieving five A* to C grades including maths and English.

Mr Derrick said: “We would like to offer a big thank you and farewell to Tess as she embarks on this exciting new challenge. She has led the transformation of the Aveley School to Ormiston Park Academy and has overseen our fantastic new build, which will provide an outstanding facility for our students.”

Carmel Littleton, director of children’s services at Thurrock Council, added: “I would like to thank Tess for her years of tireless service in Thurrock and for overseeing the magnificent new academy building.”