College News

Six of the Best Retire from QE

On Friday, the last day of the summer term, QE will say goodbye to six teachers who are retiring.

Mary Smith, Lesley Lister and John Gilmore have all been teaching for more than 30 years and each has worked at the College for a significant period of time.  English Language teacher, Mary Smith, has spent the last 21 years of her career at QE and, as well as teaching her subject has worked closely with mature students in her role as the College’s Adult Guidance Tutor.   Lesley Lister who teaches Health & Social Care has been at QE for 15 years and has been a Principal Tutor for the last 7, leading a team of 12 tutors and liaising with key partner schools such as Greenfield, the Education Village and Bedale. History teacher John Gilmore has worked at QE for 11 years, having spent the previous 21 years of his career at Bishop Auckland College.

Head of Economics, Tony Farrer retires after 8 years at QE but having notched up a total of 28 years in teaching; Business Studies teacher Karen Johnson has spent the whole of her 20 years career at the College, as has Maths teacher Sue Sleightholme who retires after 13 years in the profession.

Principal, Tim Fisher comments:

‘QE is saying goodbye to a group of very talented and dedicated professionals who have made a huge difference to the aspirations and lives of so many young people. Their service to education and the College has been tremendous and our thanks and best wishes go to them.’