"Our very own and home grown".

That is how Burgate School and Sixth Form staff describe assistant head teacher, Heidi Shering, who is celebrating 25 years of service.

Heidi joined the Burgate School at the age of 11 in 1983 as a year 7 student, only to return in 1995 as a young NQT teaching French, Spanish and Drama.

During her time she has undertaken many different roles and challenges and embraced many changes.

Heidi’s passion lies in the pastoral care of all students and she is a champion of positive mental health and wellbeing.

She feels very proud to be part of the Burgate community and somehow always seems to remember that she did teach your mum or dad.

Heidi said: “I was really lucky to find a job that I really love, every day is different, and I feel very lucky to be working with such an amazing group of staff and students alike. The current climate in education is particularly challenging but I am as motivated as ever to ensure we do our very best to support our young people and prepare them for all the curved balls that life can throw at us.”

Head teacher, David Pover said: “Heidi is tenacious, courageous, and supportive, but above all incredibly caring for all the students fortunate to be in her care.”