A guitar-wielding headteacher who brought with him star quality and a penchant for song, is preparing to say goodbye to pupils at East Sheen Primary School after 20 years at the helm.

Staff and students will be sad to see long-serving head teacher David Ford go when he retires at the end of July.

Helen Colbert, deputy headteacher, said: “David’s leadership style which is collegiate and inclusive, created a school which is a true community.”

And Mr Ford added: “It [the school] was a huge part of my life.”

But even though he is leaving the Upper Richmond Road school after 20 years of service, Mr Ford, of Wilmer Crescent, Kingston, will not be giving up the hard work.

Having seen the school rise from a popular local primary school to one that has achieved very high results in Ofsted inspections, the dedicated teacher will offer his skills to other schools as a leadership consultant.

Mr Ford said: “[I will be establishing a range of] drama workshops for key stage 2 children, as well as continuing to write and play music with friends... and enjoying life.”

In his time at East Sheen Primary School, the 61-year-old has seen “an immense amount of changes”, from a school that, despite being largely successful, “had no real systems, teams, no way in which teachers could see a career progression” to one with a “collegiate leadership style” and strong sense of community.

He has overseen development and enlargement of school facilities, as well as the school family, forming lasting relationships with parents, governors and staff.

Mr Ford credits his deputy and newly named successor Helen Colbert with much of the success of the school, saying the pair worked as a “dynamic team”. He is thrilled she will continue their hard work and allow him to always be a part of the school’s community.