ALL Hallows Catholic School has ushered in a new era following the retirement of headteacher Elizabeth Lutzeier.

Having joined the Weybourne school as head 18 years ago, Mrs Lutzeier stepped down from her role over the Christmas break.

A former English teacher in Germany and university lecturer in California, the popular head transformed the school throughout her near two decades at the helm.

During her time at All Hallows, Mrs Lutzeier oversaw the development of several new buildings including a state-of-the-art sixth form centre opened in 2014, as well as helping to move the school into the top 100 nationally for progress.

She also celebrated two ‘outstanding’ Ofsted reports and become a National Leader of Education.

Penning her final newsletter as headteacher, she wrote: “All this success makes it even harder to be leaving at the end of this year, after working with so many incredibly supportive colleagues, governors, students and families. 

“I am so grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunities I’ve had to share in all your lives as we travelled together on our journey in the spirit of Christ.”

Taking over the reins is Patrick Doyle, who joins the school from St John Baptist Catholic Comprehensive School in Woking, where he was the deputy headteacher.

The outgoing head commented: “I cannot wish him anything better than the care and support you have always given to me and to our school.”

Mr Doyle, who has a dozen years’ experience as a teacher, added: “I am really excited about joining this great school and building on the work that Mrs Lutzeier has established.”