A WITTY and well-loved deputy headmaster has chalked up his last lessons at Prior Park Prep School.

Vaughan Jelley has served 34 years at the Cricklade school and now leaves for retirement in Devon.

Mr Jelley has not only taught and worked as the school’s deputy head, but has also captained the cricket team, took the rugby sevens on tour in most of the '80s, produced school plays for 10 years, taken hundreds of children on hikes and organised the school elections.

Tributes poured in for him from pupils, alumni, past parents and colleagues before his big send-off.

“He’s given so much to the school it’s been his life’s work, through thick and thin,” said Sally Trim, head of learning and head of English.

“For many years Mr Jelley has been the absolute rock of the school. He’s always been here. As a parent and colleague, I’ve felt hugely privileged to have had him as our deputy head,” said Penny Kelly, the headmaster’s PA and registrar.

To mark both his service and the high esteem held for him, a celebratory barn dance, hog roast and presentation event was held at the school.

The presentations started with an amusing display of photographs put together by Sister Liz Clover, Sarah Paddock and Ian Barker. These included snapshots of his career that he would be proud of, as well as a few gems from fancy dress events and the late 1980s.

Former head Roger Stroud returned to the school and gave a warm and affectionate speech.

“Everyone seems to remember Mr Jelley as a kind hearted man. He is steadfast - when they made this particular Jelley they broke the mould,” said Mr Stroud.

Charles Hainesworth, former junior master, gave an equally fond farewell via video, telling tales of past antics.

“He has always been an unflappable support to his fellow teachers,” said Mr Hainesworth.

Pupils and teachers performed a special song, written specially for the event, celebrating Mr Jelley’s new found freedom away from the trials and tribulations of school life and a cake was made by one of the parents, Karin Claassen. It showcased different areas of Mr Jelley’s service on each tier. The cake was shared between the throng of past and present pupils, parents and colleagues and everyone raised a glass him. He was presented with his gift, a bronze owl sculpture, a reflection of his years of guidance and advice to young and old. Mr Jelley responded to all the well-wishers giving his thanks to everyone and to his ever supportive wife Ann.

Now Mr Jelley is looking to the next adventure in his life, with a tour of Australia, before a move to East Devon with his wife Ann.