For many Chepstow School pupils and staff members, school is almost out for the summer. But for teacher, Jackie Long, the last day of term will be an emotional one, as she prepares to retire, closing the book on a career that has spanned nearly 40 years.

Mrs Long, 58, has dedicated her entire adult life to teaching at Chepstow School, from student teacher fresh from studying English at Cardiff University, to Head of English and Sixth Form, to being appointed the position of Assistant Head.

A former pupil of Chepstow's Larkfield Grammar School, she began teaching in Chepstow School in her early 20s, where she later met her husband, Ian, who was also a teacher at the school.

Mr Long, 61, only recently retired from the school himself. Together, they have two children, Tamsin, 29, and Ryan, 21, both of whom were pupils at Chepstow School.

Speaking of her passion for teaching, she said: "The best part of my job has always been the feeling you can make a real difference to the children's lives, and keep making a difference.

"Whether academically or building confidence, or supporting them. It's about making a difference to everyone. It's a very rewarding job."

She added: "This is a really good school, and we have some great kids here. Parents and people that come into the school are always telling me how warm the school is, and how the pupils are very polite."

Reflecting on the changes she has seen the school experience over the years, she said: "The changes have been massive. Everything from technology to social changes, they all have a big impact on schools. How society changes and how we live is all about how we teach young people to become adults. I think the key to being successful as a teacher is not to be resistant to these changes. You must keep up and adapt."

Although Mrs Long, is looking forward to a new phase of life, where she hopes she and her husband can make more time to enjoy hobbies, and as she half jokingly points out, 'take holidays that aren't confined to school holiday times,' she says she will always remain involved with the school.

She said: "I could never completely be gone from Chepstow School. I have always been especially proud of our links with St Nicholas school in Kenya, and our visits there, and hope to keep involved with that. And also the Bungalow Project, which is a fantastic initiative our students are involved in."

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