A WOMAN who has worked in school administration for more than 33 years retired at the end of the summer term.

Susan Vile started as Administrator at East Worlington School in 1991, explaining that when she started there, there was no computer in the office, all she had was a manual typewriter, a manual bander copying machine and she worked in a converted coal shed!

Susan explained: “We had to authorise payments manually by attaching an authorisation slip, signed by the headteacher and sending them by post to Devon County Council.

“Soon after I was appointed, it was decided that all schools had to have a computer and that pupil records would be recorded electronically and all finance payments would be uploaded electronically.

“This was quite daunting for me, I had done basic computer studies at secondary school but had not really used a computer since.

“Along with my colleagues from other schools, we were taught how to use many computer programmes needed to run a school.”

Susan worked for Chulmleigh Academy Trust for a short period and was then appointed at Bow School in 2014.

She added: “As Senior Administrator for the last 10 years at Bow Primary School, in addition to Finance and maintaining Pupil Records, I have also been responsible for HR, Heath and Safety, Premises, Trips, most of which is now carried out electronically.

“I complete 90 per cent of my work on a computer and if the internet stops working or we do not have electricity, there is very little work we can do.”

She added: “Bow Primary School is a lovely village primary school which is going from strength to strength and I wish it and my colleagues good luck for the future.”

Clare Wilmott, Headteacher at the 142-pupil Bow Community Primary School, commented: “Susan has played an integral role to the leadership and success of Bow Community Primary School for the past 10 years.

“She will be missed as both a colleague and a friend.

“We wish her all the best as she enjoys a well-deserved retirement, knowing that she’s made a lasting difference in the lives of so many.

“Thank you Susan for your remarkable service."

Susan intends to keep busy following her retirement and said: “I have always enjoyed sewing and patchwork and in 2018, I gained a City and Guilds in Patchwork and Quilting and following this I gained a basic teaching qualification to teach adults.

“Since gaining the qualifications, I have been running sewing workshops in local village halls, however following the conversion of a barn, owned by my family at Lapford, it has given me the opportunity to provide holiday accommodation alongside running my sewing workshops.”