A TEACHER who has taught tens of thousands of Essex children has retired.
Joy Hopkinson's final term has had a royal touch as she enjoyed a garden party at Buckingham Palace to which she was invited in recognition of her 46 years of teaching.
Mrs Hopkinson, 66, taught biology at King Edward VI Grammar School before joining New Hall, both in Chelmsford, where she has held various posts in the past 25 years including head teacher for a year.
"I've had a fantastic career in fantastic schools," she told the Chronicle.
"When I came to New Hall, initially as a part time biology teacher as my children were still young, the religious community still lived here and I found them to be very inspiring ladies.
"I soon bought into the whole ethos of the school and the community and have loved being a part of it ever since.
"In the 25 years I have been here I have had so many jobs it has always kept me interested."
Mrs Hopkinson stepped down from her current role as deputy principal and house mistress last month.
However, she is not severing all ties with the school and will continue as chair of the New Hall Voluntary Service as well as running the school's confirmation programme.
Mrs Hopkinson will also maintain her role as co-ordinator of the HMC Scholarship Programme, which each year awards teenagers from poorer countries sixth form scholarships to UK independent schools.
