Deputy bids a fond farewell

by Peter Bankes, Barry Knight, Ross Jones and Peter Hall

Bootle High School said goodbye to one of its longest-serving teachers at Easter. Having been at the school for 19 years, Barry Gratton, one of the deputy heads, has decided to move on to a new career.

"I only made my final decision to leave in February but I’m not just going to sit around at home," said Mr Gratton, who is now planning to train to be a driving instructor.

Mr. Gratton started teaching in Middlesborough in 1968 and came to the Countess of Derby, one of the schools that joined to form Bootle High, in April 1978. The deputy head admits there were high points and low points during his time at Bootle High.

"It was good when we moved over to one site in 1990. Moving into a part-new, part-refurbished building was very exciting," he said.

"Our worst period was the first few years after amalgamation. For a time we worked on three sites, pupils had to be bussed and staffed travelled in cars or walked between lessons in different buildings. Sometimes it was chaotic!"

Mr Gratton’s decision to step down came out of the blue but he will take fond memories of the school away with him and he believes the school will continue to be highly successful. Everyone at Bootle High wishes Mr Gratton good luck in his new career.

barry gratton

Left: Barry Gratton - driven by a fresh challenge after nearly 30 years in the teaching profession

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