We bid a fond farewell to one of our longest-serving and most cherished members of staff, Miss Jakeman, who retires after an extraordinary 54 years of service to the school.
Current and former colleagues gathered for a special retirement celebration last week to honour her remarkable career and the lasting impact she has made on generations of students, staff and the wider school community.
The event featured a heartfelt speech from Assistant Headteacher Mrs Jackson, who reflected on Miss Jakeman’s unique journey with The Grange. Having first joined the school as a student in 1961, she returned in 1972 as a newly qualified teacher, beginning what would become a lifelong career dedicated to education and supporting young people.
Throughout more than five decades, Miss Jakeman has held a wide range of roles, including Teacher of Humanities and Geography, Head of Geography, Assistant Headteacher, Premises Manager and, most recently, SENDCo. Alongside these responsibilities, she became known as the school’s unofficial historian and “oracle”, with an unrivalled knowledge of The Grange’s history and a remarkable memory for the thousands of students and families she has supported over the years.
Mrs Jackson’s speech celebrated Miss Jakeman’s unwavering dedication, kindness, wisdom and infectious sense of humour. Whether mentoring colleagues, supporting students, sharing stories from the school’s rich history or ensuring there were always biscuits for her team. Her presence has been at the heart of The Grange for over half a century.
Speaking after the celebration, staff described her as someone whose commitment has shaped the lives of countless young people and colleagues alike.
Headteacher Mr Murray said: “I consider myself privileged to have worked with Miss Jakeman for many years. She has dedicated herself to a life of serving her home town of Aylesbury, whereby she has been a cornerstone of The Grange School community for an amazing half century and more. She has been an advocate for equality and equity and my appreciation for her moral and ethical voice for our students is an example to all. There is no doubt in my mind that everyone who has known and met the legend that is Miss Jakeman will wish her a long, and fun filled retirement.”
As she begins the next chapter, Miss Jakeman looking forward to spending more time enjoying her passions, including fishing, reading, jigsaw puzzles, gardening and meeting friends for coffee.
Everyone at The Grange School extends their heartfelt thanks for her exceptional service and wishes her a long, happy and well-deserved retirement. Her legacy will continue to be felt at The Grange School for many years to come.
