Peterborough head teacher Eric Winstone retires after more than 50 year career in education
A Peterborough head teacher is set to retire from working in education – after helping thousands of youngsters through his career that spanned more than half a century in schools.
Eric Winstone is set to retire from his final education-related post this summer following decades of supporting pupils and teachers across the Peterborough area.
Over the past half century, Eric has worked as a teacher, Headteacher, Executive Principal, a Chair of Governors and a member of various regional school associations and boards.
He started out as a PE teacher in the 1970s, before he became Headteacher of Bushfield Community College in 2001 and led the school through a period of significant development until 2014, including overseeing its transition into Ormiston in 2009.
He then continued to support the school as Executive Principal, mentoring and developing future school leaders, including both of his deputy principals at Bushfield who went on to become principals themselves.
Alongside his school leadership roles, Eric made a significant contribution to education across the region. He served as Chair of the Peterborough Secondary Headteachers’ Association and played an influential role on the Local Authority’s Children’s Services Board.
Following his retirement from school leadership, Eric continued to support young people through governance and served as Chair of Governors at Ormiston Meadows Academy since 2018.
Eric said: "Starting out as a PE teacher in 1974 and ending my career as Executive Principal was a wonderful journey which enabled me to work with some wonderful teachers, leaders, support staff and governors.
“In my time, I have had the pleasure of working at some excellent schools and have had the very best time over the last 15 years as Principal of Bushfield Community School and then Ormiston Bushfield Academy. Building and developing the Academy was the highlight of my career and I have seen the Ormiston Academies Trust develop and expand to become one of the leading academy trusts in the country. My closing years as Chair of Governors at Ormiston Meadows enabled me to continue to be involved in education and pass on my experience to developing leaders.
“Most of all, I will savour the contact with over 5000 young people that I have had the pleasure to teach and support through their secondary education over the years. Educating young people is a lifelong journey and I will be forever grateful for having had the opportunity to make a difference.”
Kelly Moore, Principal at Ormiston Meadows Academy, said: "Eric has given an extraordinary amount to education throughout his career, and we have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from his wisdom, guidance and unwavering support at Ormiston Meadows Academy. His experience, integrity and commitment to young people have made a lasting impact on our community, and we wish him every happiness in his retirement."
Tom Rees, Chief Executive Officer of Ormiston Academies Trust, said: "Eric's contribution to education in Peterborough and beyond has been immense. He has positively influenced the lives of thousands of young people, supported generations of staff and leaders, and played a pioneering role in bringing Bushfield into Ormiston Academies Trust, where it continues to achieve highly. His legacy continues to be felt across our schools today, and we are hugely grateful for everything he has done for our trust and the communities we serve."