THE head of a Bradford primary school will be retiring this week after 40 years of teaching in the city.

Sharon Lambert has led Allerton Primary for 22 years, but will be stepping down from the role and retiring at the end of term.

Mrs Lambert’s work in the school saw her nominated for the Leadership Award at the Telegraph & Argus Schools Awards two years in a row, winning the trophy in 2016.

She started her career at Princeville Primary School as a reception class teacher, and also taught at Eastwood First School in Keighley.

Her first headship was at Girlington First School, before she moved to Allerton.

Mrs Lambert, who turns 61 later this month, said: “I’ve always had a passion for helping develop children. I’ve loved serving the community, and I love the community of Allerton.

“There is so much potential for the young people here, and the children’s behaviour and attitudes are exceptional.”

One of her biggest achievements was the idea of introducing the idea of SCARF to the school. An acronym for Safety, Caring, Achievement, Respect, Friendliness, SCARF was launched when Mrs Lambert came to Allerton, and has been an integral part of the school ever since. It encourages children to always think about their actions and behaviour, and Mrs Lambert said it has made a massive impact in the school and wider community.

She said: “Everyone wears their ‘scarf’, it teaches the children to be caring and friendly, and makes them a more well rounded person. It has been a tremendous success for the school. We expect everyone to wear their scarf, including staff, and it is something we talk about with parents.

“We notice when we take children out on trips people come to us and comment on how well behaved they are.

“The idea is now being used nationally, and other schools are beginning to adopt it, so it is a great legacy to leave behind.

“I do see the school as part of a complete community, everyone contributes and you feel a strong sense of belonging.”

Mrs Lambert also helped transform the school building, with the Victorian building renovated, maintaining its exterior but creating a modern school inside.

She said: “This school has educated children for 150 years; my contribution has only been 22 years, but I’m happy I’m leaving it in a very good state.

“Our responsibility as adults is to provide the very best role models for our children so they have high expectations of themselves.”

When asked if there was anything she would say to someone considering becoming a head, she said: “I absolutely love my job. It is great to know you can make a difference to young lives, and to the whole community. Allerton is a really special place to live and work.”