RACHEL McGrath first stepped into Cawthorne Primary School as a newly-qualified teacher back in 1995&

Now, 30 years on, she has celebrated a special landmark for continuous service in the same school.

The achievement was marked with a memorable ‘Cawthorne Stars’ event, where the whole school, current staff and retired staff joined Rachel in celebrating her three decades’ service.

Headteacher Adam Bramall said: “It has been lovely to come together as a school community to celebrate Mrs McGrath’s unique milestone.

“To work for so long in one place is a testament to her and the school.

“Mrs McGrath is a well-loved and well-respected teacher who epitomises our school values in all that she does.

“We have been lucky to have such a dedicated teacher working here and long may she continue into the future.”

In the celebration assembly, Rachel talked about how the school had changed from the infant and junior buildings being joined together, seeing horses and walkers ambling across the public footpath that ran across the school site, having 83 children on roll in the entire school and the introduction of smart boards into the classrooms.

The children presented her with a bunch of flowers, a golden star badge and an honorary Cawthorne Star certificate to mark the occasion.

“It has been a pleasure to have taught at Cawthorne for the past 30 years,” Rachel added.

“I have seen lots of changes in my time but I have many memorable moments, particularly teaching so many wonderful children.”