Children at Larkfield Primary School in Southport are pleading with their outgoing headteacher, Julian Ward, not to leave as he retires after 16 years at the school. Ward, 59, steps down today, with deputy headteacher Dave Palmen, 44, set to take over.
A Compassionate Leader
Dave Palmen, who has worked alongside Ward for years, described him as a “compassionate man” who brought his musical talent into the school. Palmen told the ECHO that Ward will be missed by friends and family across the school community.
Julian Ward, a pianist, joined Larkfield in 2007 as a deputy headteacher and became headteacher in 2010. He recalled feeling an immediate connection to the school: “From the moment I set foot inside it ‘felt’ right - the children were happy, comfortable and confident and I knew instinctively this was the right place for me.”
Consistency and Community
Ward emphasized that he aimed to keep the school consistent rather than making drastic changes. “I hope the school hasn't changed. We set out to be a friendly and welcoming place, and I think we've kept that. We're all about the family and the individual child,” he said.
He noted that while external educational policies shifted, Larkfield maintained its core ethos. “There've been various different new curriculums and another new one on the horizon, which I won't see. But I think one of the strengths is, I don't think we have changed, or we've certainly tried not to.”
Challenges and Memories
The biggest challenge during his tenure was teaching a growing number of children with significant educational needs, which strained the school budget. Despite this, Ward cherished memories like taking a group to the Houses of Parliament and the annual summer fair where children threw wet sponges at him in the stocks. “It was remarkable how the kids suddenly developed that great aim when they got that chance to throw at my face,” he said.
Timing of Retirement
Ward felt now was the right time to step aside, citing upcoming changes including a new curriculum and reforms for SEND pupils. “I felt someone with more energy than me would be best placed to take that on. I also feel like I'm at a point in my life, while I'm still young enough and fit enough, there are things I want to do. I want to do some traveling around this country,” he explained.
Emotional Farewell
The final weeks have been emotional, with pupils asking him not to leave. “Some of the things the children are saying, ‘oh, I don't want you to leave,’ and that always gets you a little bit,” Ward said. He received personalized gifts, including a framed school report. His last day with the children includes a special assembly, which he expects to be a challenge.
Dave Palmen Takes Over
Dave Palmen, a friend and current deputy, praised Ward’s inclusive ethos and community focus. “He has developed the community aspect of it, enhancing things like the Friends Society, the opportunities for children from different social backgrounds. He has a deep passion for music, so the school's done quite a few things with music as well,” Palmen said.
Palmen aims to build on Ward’s work: “We share the same teaching ethos when it comes to education. I just wanna carry on with the community spirit that Larkfield prides itself on really. We've got some exciting projects as well in the future.” He thanked Ward on behalf of staff and families for his dedication.
Legacy of Enjoyment
Reflecting on his tenure, Ward said: “I have appointed lots of staff over the past 16 years - all with that same principle in mind, including the current deputy head, who will take over from me in September and hopefully maintain that basic approach. Our motto ‘Enjoy-Learn-Achieve’ is what we really believe. I will miss all the wonderful children and families and of course my fantastic staff team.”
