A HEADTEACHER who is retiring this year will be Sir for the rest of his life.
John Rowling, of Nunthorpe Secondary School, Middlesbrough, is receiving a knighthood for his services to the profession.
He, has been teaching North-East youngsters for four decades and spent the past 19 years in Nunthorpe.
Sir John, who lives in Guisborough, said: "I don't want to diminish the honour but this award is just for doing the very best we can for students. I was absolutely stunned when I got the letter."
He added: "It really has been a wonderful career and I am not exaggerating when I say I have looked forward to every day for the past 40 years.
"But whatever I have achieved, I couldn't have done it without the cooperation of my colleagues."
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