TRIBUTES have been paid to an “exceptional” headteacher as he steps down after more than 20 years at the helm.

Franz Atkinson has been headteacher at Greenford Primary School, Maiden Newton for 23 years and has been teaching for 43 years.

He will retire at the end of the current term.

Colin Grist, chairman of governors at Greenford School, has paid tribute to the work Mr Atkinson has done at the school.

He said: “Franz is retiring after more than 20 years of exceptional leadership as headteacher of Greenford School, Maiden Newton.

“His tenure at the school has been highlighted by some outstanding choral, dance and theatrical performances culminating in a production of Oliver last Christmas.

“His work has been supported by an excellent group of teachers and staff which has meant that the school was classified “good” at the last Ofsted inspection in 2014. This means that the school is in a good position for his successor, Kim Jackaman and the new and existing staff to face the challenge of assessment, curriculum and finances in the future and ensure the continued success of the school.

“I am sure I speak on behalf of all the parents, staff and governors past and present in wishing Franz and his wife Linda a successful and happy retirement.”

Mr Atkinson’s passion has always been for music, dance and theatrical performances, many of which he has put on during his time as the headteacher at the school.

He said: “It’s been a long-time. It’s quite sad to be going, I have lots of fond memories of hundreds of children, parents, members of the community and colleagues and so on.

“For me I’ve always been keen on the arts, that’s what I’ve done with the children. I’ll miss the day-to-day contact with the children and the staff, it’s all about the children.”

During the production of Oliver at Christmas, Mr Atkinson took on the role of Fagan, acting with the children for the first time.

Back in 1973, when he first started teaching, he put on a production of Oliver and wanted that to be one of his last productions too.

Mr Atkinson said he is looking forward to a break from the paperwork and the administrative side of teaching but not the children.

He is now planning to set up a musical theatre group in Dorchester for young people aged nine and above.

As reported in the Echo, the school will be saying goodbye to Mr Atkinson with a Wild West Bonanza tomorrow on the village playing field which will feature a re-enactment and a Wild West show.