by Sam Hawcroft
Paull Primary School head teacher Paul Rowe was given an emotional surprise farewell as pupils and staff looked back on his teaching career and 16 years at the school.
Mr Rowe, who is retiring this summer, was approaching the end of leading the school’s annual year six leavers’ assembly on Friday, July 17, when staff unveiled a This Is Your Life-style presentation in his honour.
The slideshow traced his journey from graduating from Reading University in 1994 to becoming a head teacher and eventually arriving at Paull Primary School in September 2010.
It featured photographs and newspaper cuttings from throughout his career, including his time at White Waltham C of E School and Emmbrook Junior School in Berkshire, as well as many of the challenges and successes he experienced at Paull.
Among the memories were Mr Rowe’s 100km walk in 30 hours to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and the day he walked 12 miles through heavy snow to reach Paull Primary in December 2010.
The presentation also recalled the campaign to protect the school when it faced the threat of closure, efforts to raise money for an extension as pupil numbers increased and the school’s positive Ofsted feedback in June 2025.
Mr Rowe’s passion for sport also featured prominently. Early in his career, he led sports clubs and a successful tag rugby team which took part in the Queen’s celebrations in 2000. He also spent seven years working as a leading maths teacher, supporting colleagues and pupils across a number of schools.
The assembly included gifts from staff and governors, farewell photographs and a specially rewritten version of The Twelve Days of Christmas, featuring references to coffee, cricket balls, custard creams and some of Mr Rowe’s more memorable outfits.
Incoming head teacher Sam Holmes fought back tears as she thanked Mr Rowe for everything he had done for the school, while several parents were also visibly moved.
She said: “Over the years, you’ve been so much more than a teacher. You’ve been a mentor, a leader, a friend and an inspiration.
“You’re a believer in children. Your kindness, humour and gentle care for everyone around you have created a school that feels like a family.”
Mrs Holmes said Mr Rowe had always placed children at the heart of his decisions, supported staff through challenges and encouraged everyone around him to be the best version of themselves.
She also recalled his sense of humour, his “legendary puppet fights” and his determination to make learning enjoyable.
She added: “Your retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter. While we know you’ve earned every moment of it, saying goodbye is not easy.
“The legacy you leave at Paull Primary School will live on through the children, the staff you’ve inspired and the community you’ve brought together.
“You leave behind very big shoes to fill but, more importantly, you leave behind memories, values and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Responding to the presentation, Mr Rowe recalled that there had been just four children in year six when he first arrived and said he could still remember the majority of the pupils who had passed through the school during his time there.
He thanked the children, parents, governors, staff and East Riding Council for their support, describing the school team as “absolutely phenomenal”.
Mr Rowe said the strength of the staff meant they would be able to continue running the school in the same spirit after his departure.
He added: “It’s been great. My community has been growing all the time.
“Thank you to all the children as well. Enjoy your learning in the school and enjoy your next steps, wherever they take you.”